Shahbagh Paralysed as Inquilab Mancha Enforces Nationwide Blockade

The heart of the capital was transformed into a bastion of political resistance on Sunday as the Inquilab Mancha activist platform enforced an “all-out blockade” across Dhaka and all divisional cities. Centred at the iconic Shahbagh intersection, the demonstration sought to demand the immediate arrest and summary trial of those responsible for the murder of Sharif Osman bin Hadi. The blockade, which commenced in earnest shortly after 2:00 pm, remained in full force well into the night, effectively severing primary arterial routes in the city.

Although the formal gathering was scheduled for the afternoon at the “July Monument,” protesters began congregating as early as 11:00 am. By 2:30 pm, activists had seized control of the intersection, obstructing traffic towards the InterContinental Hotel, Matsya Bhaban, and Elephant Road. This strategic paralysis created a cascading effect of gridlock throughout central Dhaka.

The atmosphere at Shahbagh was charged with emotive chants. Protesters were heard shouting slogans such as “Justice for Hadi,” “Struggle over Compromise,” and “Dhaka over Delhi,” reflecting a burgeoning nationalist sentiment. The presence of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police units was heavy, yet they maintained a watchful distance as the area echoed with the rhythmic cries of “We want justice.”

Key Details of the Nationwide Blockade

The blockade followed a tense Friday-to-Saturday sit-in. On Saturday night, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, visited the site to assure protesters that the “mystery” behind Hadi’s death would be unravelled and all culprits exposed. While the Mancha briefly suspended their sit-in following this assurance, they resumed the all-out blockade on Sunday afternoon to maintain pressure on the authorities.

The disruption was not limited to the city centre. In Uttara, students from various schools and colleges barricaded the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in front of the BNS Centre for five hours. This specific blockade stranded thousands of commuters, including outbound international travellers heading to the airport. Passengers were seen abandoning buses and walking miles with heavy luggage. One traveller, Hosne Ara, lamented that she had been trapped on a bus since 3:00 pm with no clear path home to Mymensingh.