Protests by 7 parties cause severe traffic disruptions in Dhaka

Seven political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, and Khilafat Mojlish, staged protests in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan, Baitul Mukarram, and Press Club areas, pressing four key demands. 

These protests led to significant traffic congestion in Paltan, Gulistan, and nearby areas. 

Md. Suman, an assistant driver for Akash Paribahan at the Gulistan GPO intersection, reported minimal traffic issues after departing from Jagannath University Gate but encountered severe delays in Gulistan, taking over 30 minutes to cross the Purana Paltan intersection.

The protests began at 3 pm on Thursday, starting from Purana Paltan, Gulistan, and Baitul Mukarram Gate. 

A procession carrying hand fans moved from Baitul Mukarram Gate to Purana Paltan intersection and proceeded toward Dainik Bangla intersection, prompting police to halt traffic on both sides. 

The Islamic Students' Movement, part of the protests, demanded the implementation of the July Charter, state reforms, elections under the proportional representation (PR) system, and swift trials for martyrs killed in a coup. 

The seven parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, had previously announced a protest march in Dhaka on Thursday to push for national elections based on the July Charter in February.

The protests caused severe traffic disruptions in Paltan, Secretariat, Motijheel, Gulistan, and surrounding areas, forcing many commuters to abandon their vehicles and walk to their destinations. 

Prior to the marches, the parties held brief rallies at Baitul Mukarram, the National Press Club, and nearby areas, with activities continuing from afternoon to evening. 

The seven parties—Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon, Bangladesh Khelafat Mojlish, Khelafat Mojlish, Nejam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolon, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA)—announced a three-day programme. 

On Thursday, protests were held in Dhaka; on Friday, they are planned for divisional cities; and on September 26, demonstrations will occur across all districts and upazilas. 

While some parties outlined five, six, or seven-point demands, the core demands remain largely consistent across the groups.