Cops remove ‘July Fighters’ from Shahbagh intersection

Police have removed the protestors identifying themselves as members of the "July Fighters" movement from the Shahbagh intersection in the capital.

On Friday evening (August 1), police dispersed the demonstrators and dismantled their protest stage. Vehicular movement resumed around 6:45 PM after the roads were cleared.

Since Thursday morning, a platform called "July Fighters' Parliament" had been staging a blockade at Shahbagh, demanding the implementation of the "July Charter." However, on Friday afternoon, another group claiming the same identity opposed them, leading to a heated argument between the two factions. Fearing further conflict, police intervened and removed both groups from the area.

According to the Ramna Zone Deputy Commissioner, police had to use batons to control the situation during clashes between the two sides.

The demonstrators were demanding the immediate implementation and constitutional recognition of the July Charter and its declaration. Their other demands included official recognition of the July martyrs and fighters, lifetime honor and welfare for families of the deceased and injured, state responsibility for their treatment and rehabilitation, international-standard trials for those involved in repression, and the formation of a Truth and Justice Commission.

During the blockade, heavy traffic congestion was reported in and around Shahbagh. A pedestrian named Robiul expressed his frustration, saying, “Every other day there's a road blockade. It's always the common people like us who suffer the consequences.”