For the second consecutive day, demonstrators identifying themselves as “July Warriors” have continued their blockade at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, demanding the immediate implementation and permanent inclusion of the July Charter in state policy.
Timeline and Situation
| Date | Event |
| 31 July (Thursday) | Protest began at 10:30 a.m. amidst continuous rainfall |
| 1 August (Friday) | Demonstration continued from the morning, showing no signs of de-escalation |
Despite persistent rain, the demonstrators remained firm in their blockade, vowing to continue the movement until the government responds positively to their demands.
Disruption to City Life
The protest has brought traffic to a standstill in and around Shahbagh, causing immense public suffering and transport gridlock. Affected areas include:
- Shahbagh intersection
- Katabon
- Matsya Bhaban
- Hotel Intercontinental crossing
- Several other key roads in central Dhaka
Crowds of demonstrators chanted slogans such as:
“We demand the July Charter, we demand it now!”
“No more delay, no more excuses!”
Organisers’ Statement
Arman Shafin, convener of the July Warrior Council, stated:
“We will not leave this place until the government announces a clear and formal decision. People from all 64 districts—families of July martyrs and July warriors—have gathered here with their own food and supplies. We are prepared to stay as long as necessary.”
The 11-Point Demand of the Protesters
| Demand |
| 1. Official recognition of July martyrs and July warriors |
| 2. Lifetime honour and compensation for families of martyrs and the injured |
| 3. Guarantees of medical care, education, and welfare for affected individuals and their families |
| 4. State responsibility for all rehabilitation, employment, and welfare expenses for the injured |
| 5. Dignified lifelong allowances for injured individuals and martyrs’ families |
| 6. Establishment of dedicated legal protection and assistance centres for affected families |
| 7. Justice for repression and persecution under international standards against those responsible |
| 8. Formation of an independent Truth and Justice Commission to investigate past atrocities |
The demonstrators have declared their intention to continue the blockade until all demands are addressed, further deepening the inconvenience for commuters and pedestrians in the capital.
As public suffering grows, pressure mounts on the government to respond to the protest movement with concrete assurances.
