A group of protesters continued their blockade at Shahbagh intersection in the capital on Friday for the second consecutive day, bringing traffic in the area and its surroundings to a standstill.
The demonstrators, under the banner of the 'Families of July Martyrs and July Warriors platform' - demanding implementation of the 'July Charter', started setting up barricades at Shahbagh intersection from 11 AM. Despite rain, they occupied the roads and chanted slogans like 'We want the July Charter now', 'No more delay, no more excuses', etc.
Due to the blockade, vehicles were diverted from the nearby intersections such as Katabon, Hotel Intercontinental, and Matsya Bhaban, and in front of Shahbagh Police Station.
As a result, severe traffic congestion was reported in the areas, especially affecting patients and their families heading to the nearby hospitals.
Liakat, a biker, expressed frustration, saying, "A one-hour journey is now taking three hours. This is becoming unbearable."
Arman Shafin, convener of the July Warriors Platform, said, "We will continue our movement until the government takes a clear and positive decision. The July martyrs' families and warriors from 64 districts have come here with their own food and supplies. We will stay here as long as it needs."
They continued the blockade while writing the report at 5:30 pm on Friday.
Khalid Mansur, Officer-In-Charge (OC) of Shahbagh Police Station, said, "The protesters were here on Thursday night, and they are here on Friday. We are still handling the situation with patience."
The demonstrators' demands included official recognition of and paying lifelong tributes to those killed and injured in the July Uprising, and their proper medical care, education, rehabilitation, and employment support.
They also urged the government to take full responsibility of the victims' families, offer financial allowances and legal protections, and form an independent commission to ensure justice for the killings during the July Movement.
Earlier, from 10:30 am on Thursday, the protesters gathered at Shahbagh intersection and staged sit-in there, disrupting movements of vehicles.
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