Members of July Oikya blocked a major road in Dhaka on Wednesday to protest an attempted attack on Inqilab Moncho spokesperson and potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, Osman Hadi.
The protesters were marching to the Indian High Commission, demanding the extradition of those they believe were involved in the attempted murder.
The march began around 3:00pm at Rampura Bridge and proceeded towards North Badda. It was led by AB Zubair, the Social Welfare Secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU).
Demonstrators sat on the road in front of Hossain Market in North Badda after police stopped the procession. Protesters chanted slogans like "Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka is Dhaka" and "Why did my brother Hadi have to die?"
Addressing the crowd, AB Zubair stated that the group did not intend to continue the march or attack the Indian High Commission. He said the protest was intended to send a political message.
"We are not afraid, and our protest is peaceful," he stated. "However, no one will be allowed to impose dominance over Bangladesh."
The road blockade created severe traffic congestion in the area. Police barricaded both sides of the road, while protesters occupied one, causing all vehicular traffic between Natun Bazar and Rampura to halt.
Authorities had not responded immediately to the demonstrators' demands.
