'Shahbag blockade will be withdrawn as soon as notification to ban AL is issued'

On Friday, 9 May 2025, protesters blocked Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection, demanding the immediate banning of the Awami League (AL). The demonstration, led by the National Citizen Party (NCP), began in the afternoon and continued into the night. Protesters declared they would not vacate the area until the government issued an official notification banning the AL. 

The protest commenced near the Chief Adviser's residence, Jamuna, and moved to Shahbagh around 4:30 PM, following an announcement by Hasnat Abdullah, the NCP's chief organiser (South). He stated, "We will leave here and blockade Shahbagh. We will continue the blockade until a notification is issued banning the Awami League." 

Protesters chanted slogans such as "Ban the Awami League now" and "No place for AL in Bangladesh," while holding national flags and placards demanding the party's prohibition, according to local media. The demonstrators, comprising students, political activists, and members of various Islamic organisations, accused the AL of undermining national sovereignty and democracy.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam warned that if the government delayed banning the AL, a nationwide 'March to Dhaka' would be organised. He emphasised that all forces, regardless of political affiliation, should unite in this demand. 

The protest follows the July 2024 uprising, which led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since then, there have been increasing calls for the AL's political activities to be banned and for those responsible for the crackdown on protesters to be held accountable. 

As of late Friday night, the blockade at Shahbagh remained in place, with protesters vowing to continue their sit-in until their demands are met.