The nation of Bangladesh is bracing for significant disruptions on Sunday as the Inqilab Moncho organization has announced plans for blockades in every divisional city. This action signifies a major escalation of their ongoing agitation following the reported death of their leader, Sharif Osman Hadi. The protest movement, which began in Dhaka, has now spread across multiple regions, prompting concerns over public order and national stability.
The organization indicated that the blockades would start at 11 am local time. This announcement was reportedly made from Shahbagh in Dhaka, the current site of a continuous sit-in protest by Inqilab Moncho supporters, which began on Friday. During Saturday, activists, predominantly from Inqilab Moncho, staged protests and blocked critical roads in several cities including Dhaka, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Kushtia, united by their demand for justice for Hadi.
In the capital, protesters occupied the strategic Shahbagh intersection after Friday’s prayers and maintained their presence overnight. On Saturday, a brief movement occurred to allow a political figure access to Hadi’s grave near Dhaka University before protesters returned to Shahbagh, causing a complete halt to vehicular traffic. A prominent member of Inqilab Moncho issued a forceful warning, stating that the protests would intensify if the government failed to provide a satisfactory response. He alluded to the movement’s potential to expand its reach significantly, even targeting symbols of state power. The group expressed dismay at the government’s apparent lack of engagement, noting that no officials had visited the protest site despite its duration. They articulated that public trust in the administration is diminishing. The Shahbagh protest has garnered broad support, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, children, and public figures, all demanding justice. Sharif Osman Hadi, recognized as a pivotal figure in a recent mass uprising, established Inqilab Moncho and was noted for his political ambitions. His untimely death, following a shooting incident on December 12th, has ignited broader unrest, including reports of vandalism and attacks on media houses. The authorities are facing increasing pressure to manage the escalating situation and address the mounting demands for accountability.