Inqilab Mancha staged a blockade at Shahbag intersection in the capital on Friday, demanding justice for the killing of its spokesperson, Sharif Osman Hadi.
After the Jum'ah prayers, Inqilab Mancha activists brought out a protest march from the Dhaka University Central Mosque and moved to Shahbag, where they staged a sit-in protest. During the demonstration, traffic at the busy intersection was brought to a halt, as protesters sat on the road chanting slogans.
Alongside them, a large number of people joined the protest. Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar was also seen leading slogans at the site.
Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber announced that the protest would continue until the government's advisers come to Shahbag and respond directly to the people.
"We will not leave Shahbag until the advisers come here and face the public. If necessary, we are prepared to sacrifice our lives to continue the protest. This land has been soaked with Hadi's blood. Yet some people come and tell us what we should or should not do".
"We, the people, have taken to the streets to seek justice for the blood of martyr Osman Hadi. Until the government advisers come here and give answers before the public, we will not leave Shahbag," he added.
Addressing the gathering, Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Secretary for Liberation War and Democratic Movements, Fatema Tasnim Jhuma, urged protesters not to leave Shahbag until justice is ensured. She also called on everyone to remain vigilant, so that no disorder or chaos occurs during the protest. As of 6:00 pm, the blockade programme was still going on.
Meanwhile, a protest rally was held at Jahangirnagar University on Friday, demanding justice for the killing of Hadi.
The programme began after Juma prayers in Bot Tola area of the campus.
Protesters brought out a procession that marched through various streets and concluded with a brief gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar.
During the demonstration, students chanted various slogans, including "Why did my brother die? interim government must answer," "We will all become Hadi," and "Justice for Hadi's killing."
Addressing the gathering, Abrar Shahriar, general secretary of AFM Kamal Uddin Hall
Students' Union, said the government that came to power through the sacrifices of the revolutionaries is now failing to protect them.
"Hadi was not merely a name or an individual. Hadi is a symbol of resistance and represents a strong voice against Indian hegemony and aggression," said Siam Ittesam, a fourth-year student of the Department of History.
In concluding remarks, Abu Obaida Osama, education and research secretary of the JU Central Students' Union (JUCSU), strongly condemned the prevailing culture of impunity and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for those responsible for Hadi's killing.
Hadi was shot on December 12 during an election campaign at Paltan in the capital. He was first treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and later transferred to Evercare Hospital on the same day. On December 15, he was taken to Singapore for treatment. He died on December 18 while undergoing treatment there.
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