Protest march ‘Droho Jatra’ draws thousands at Central Shaheed Minar

Thousands of participants have joined the protest march ‘Droho Jatra’, organised by teachers and civil society. The march began at the National Press Club in the capital, proceeding through Dhaka University’s Doel Chattar and TSC before culminating at the Central Shaheed Minar.

On Friday afternoon, around 4:30 pm, demonstrators at the Central Shaheed Minar were seen chanting various slogans.

According to the pre-scheduled programme, people began gathering in front of the National Press Club before 3:00 pm to participate in the protest. The crowd included students, teachers, guardians, civil society representatives, and leaders from various student organisations.

At the start of the march, retired Professor Anu Muhammad from the Economics Department of Jahangirnagar University addressed the gathering. He stated that their sole demand is for the current government to resign and return power to the people. He emphasised that the government should not be asked for anything but must address pending judgments, including the 'July killings.'

Anu Muhammad further mentioned that the main agenda is to discuss how democratic transformation can occur in Bangladesh.

The protest march commenced around 3:30 pm and reached the Central Shaheed Minar by approximately 4:15 pm. Notable participants included public health expert Mustaq Husain, Dhaka University professors C R Abrar and Asif Nazrul, and development economist Maha Mirza.

At the end of the march, Bangladesh Chhatra Union President Ragib Naim announced new programmes. He called for an end to mass arrests, the release of all detainees, the lifting of curfews by Sunday, and the reopening of all educational institutions. He also demanded that the government resign by Sunday. If these demands are not met, a mass procession will begin in front of the National Press Club at 3:00 pm on Sunday.

‘Prayer and a mass procession of students and the people’ programmes are being held today under the call of the anti-discrimination student movement in the capital and various districts.