Families of July uprising martyrs block Shahbagh intersection for 7 hours
They gathered at Shahbagh around 11:30am today (6 February) demanding the arrest of the accused involved in the murders during the mass uprising
Families of the martyrs of the July uprising today (6 February) blocked the Shahbagh intersection for seven hours, demanding the arrest of the accused involved in the murders.
Vehicle movement remained halted in the area due to the blockade that began at around 11:30am, said Mehedi Shakil, assistant commissioner (traffic) of the Shahbagh zone of the Dhaka Metropolitan.
The protest comes amid the demolition of the Dhanmondi 32 residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, led by students and general citizens, which began Wednesday night.
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Abdur Rab, father of Meheraj, who was killed on 5 August, told TBS that they have been forced to take to the street.
"It has been almost six months since the July uprising; however, most of the killers are still at large, and even their leader [deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina] threatened us from India," he said.
Rab continued, "Although the interim government took the power with our mandate, they are not inclined towards ensuring justice. We want justice and the recognition of the sacrifice that my son made."
Withdrawal of blockade
Rabiul Awal, spokesperson for the central group of the Shahid family, announced the withdrawal of their blockade at about 6:30pm.
Speaking to TBS, Awal, brother of Shahid Imam Hasan (Tayem), said: "We have been informed that our three brothers in the government will meet with the representatives of the Shahid family. Tomorrow [Friday], Sarjis Bhai [Sarjis Alam] and Hasnat Bhai [Hasnat Abdullah] will sit with our representatives.
"On Sunday, our delegation will meet with the honourable chief adviser. On this condition, we have decided to withdraw the blockade today [Thursday]."
