Protesters block Shahbag demanding Noakhali division, leave after 90 minutes

Protesters demanding that Noakhali be declared a division vacated the Shahbag intersection after occupying the area for about an hour and a half on Friday, September 4. They withdrew around 5:30pm, allowing traffic to resume through the Shahbag intersection.

Earlier, around 4pm, the protesters, mostly residents of Noakhali living in Dhaka, took position at the Shahbag intersection and began demonstrating. Carrying banners, festoons and placards, they demanded the immediate declaration of Noakhali as a division, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Before the blockade, they had marched from the Press Club area after Jumma prayers, heading via Matsya Bhaban intersection to Shahbag. Noakhali residents from various parts of Dhaka, including Chawkbazar, Motijheel and Kamrangirchar, joined the programme. Organisers claimed many also came from Noakhali, Lakshmipur and Feni by bus to participate.

During the sit-in, protesters chanted slogans such as "We want Noakhali division" and "Our demand is one: We want Noakhali division." Many joined the programme in a festive mood, with music and slogans played through sound boxes.

The blockade halted public transport and CNG movement on several routes, including from Gulistan to Dhanmondi and Shahbag to Gabtoli, causing congestion on Shahbag and surrounding roads. With several important hospitals in the area, ambulances were seen moving with sirens.

The protesters withdrew around 5:30pm, and traffic began moving through the Shahbag intersection.