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A protest march under the banner of ‘Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression’ faced police obstruction near Hotel Intercontinental as demonstrators attempted to proceed towards Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna to submit a memorandum demanding justice for the victims of sexual violence.
The demonstrators, who had gathered at the Raju Bhashkarjiya (Raju Memorial Sculpture) on the Dhaka University campus, began their march towards Jamuna in the early afternoon.
Their demands included the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser over the government’s failure to curb the ongoing incidents of murder, rape and sexual violence.
They also called for the establishment of a fast-track tribunal to ensure justice for all victims, including eight-year-old Achia.
Around 2:30 pm, as the march crossed Shahbagh and reached the Hotel Intercontinental intersection, police erected barricades to stop them from advancing further.
The protesters attempted to push past the barricades, leading to scuffles with the police.
The altercations took place in multiple phases as law enforcers sought to prevent the demonstrators from moving forward.
The protesters alleged that the police had resorted to aggressive tactics reminiscent of previous Awami League administrations to suppress their rightful demands.
They claimed that instead of allowing them to submit a memorandum against rape, the authorities had confronted them with force.
Later, the demonstrators moved back to the Raju Bhashkarjiya.