In a sharp escalation of protests, Inqilab Mancha issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Home Affairs Adviser on Saturday, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the killing of its spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi.
During a protest at Shabagh in the city, member-secretary of the platform Abdullah Al Jaber warned that unless the government responds by 5:15pm today (Sunday) regarding the arrest of Hadi's killers, they will resume sit-in at Shahbagh.
Jaber also called on the home adviser to publicly announce within the next 24 hours an update on any progress made in the past week toward apprehending those responsible for Hadi's murder.
Immediately after Hadi's janaza in the afternoon, protesters under the banner of Inqilab Mancha began assembling at Shahbagh. As public entry into the Dhaka University campus was restricted, demonstrators gathered at Shahbagh and raised slogans demanding justice for the killing. After the announcement of the ultimatum, the protesters left the area.
At the rally, the leaders of Inqilab Mancha also pressed for an impartial investigation into the killing and swift arrest of all individuals involved.
They warned that they would launch more aggressive actions, including mobilisation of students and the public, unless their demands are met.
Speakers at the rally said that Hadi's assassination was not an isolated act of violence, but a stark reflection of the country's deteriorating law-and-order situation.
Protesters also demanded that Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury take action to arrest the killers within 24 hours. Otherwise, they would launch a nationwide agitation, with large-scale public demonstrations, they warned.
Referring to the upcoming national election, Abdullah Al Jaber alleged that various conspiracies are underway to either obstruct the electoral process or facilitate the return of the Awami League to power.
"For the past 17 years, intelligence agencies have managed to arrest BNP-Jamaat leaders even from 40 feet underground. Where are they now?" he questioned.
Calling for restraint, he urged the public not to respond to any calls for violence.
"All decisions and programmes will be announced by Inqilab Mancha," he said, emphasising that the movement would proceed in an organised manner.
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