Security forces foil protesters attempt to enter Bangabhaban; lob sound grenades
Protesters threatened a tougher movement if President Shahabuddin does not resign within 24 hours
A tense situation prevailed in front of the Bangabhaban today as protesters, under the banner of 'Raktim July 2024' and 'Inqilab Mancha', staged a demonstration in front of Bangabhaban, demanding the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin within 24 hours.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Army and other forces have already beefed up security in the area, our correspondent reports from the spot.
At around 8:22pm this evening, police hurled sound grenades toward the protesters when about 300-400 of them rammed the barricade in front of Bangabhaban.
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When Army personnel tried to calm the protesters, it led to a confrontation. Policemen were then sent inside the Bangabhaban.
At around 9:30pm, the situation became somewhat normal and the Army was seen requesting the protesters to disperse from the area on loudspeakers.
The protesters claimed that the president is an ally of Awami League and ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
They threatened a tougher movement if Shahabuddin does not resign within 24 hours.
DMP Joint Commissioner Farooq Hossain said, "We have been directed to strengthen security in the Bangabhaban area.
"A large number of police personnel have been deployed accordingly. Detectives in plain clothes are also working. Army and RAB members are in cooperation with the local police stations to prevent any untoward event."
"We remain cautious as some people are protesting in the area. They have not been stopped but we are being careful so that nothing goes wrong," said Motijheel Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Shahriar Ali.
Armoured personnel carriers (APC) and water cannons were also deployed in the area.
Earlier on the day, members of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, National Citizens' Committee and people from various professions staged a demonstration at the Central Shaheed Minar demanding a ban of Bangladesh Chhatra League and the resignation of President Mohammad Shahabuddin.
A group of protesters from Central Shaheed Minar also joined the protesters at Bangabhaban, according to our correspondent.
Meanwhile, protesters who came under the banner 'Shadhinota-Shorbobhoumotto Rokkha Committee' staged a demonstration at the intersection in front of Bangabhaban.
