TDS Desk:

Police intercepted a march by the Ganatantrik Chhatra Jote consisting of seven left-wing organizations heading toward the chief adviser’s residence on Tuesday, blocking protesters from delivering their five-point demands, including justice for the July massacre.

The march, which began at 12:30pm from the base of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University, was halted near Sakura Bar after police set up barricades.

The marchers, who passed through areas such as VC Chattar, Campus Shadow, Central Library, Shahbagh, and Banglamotor, faced resistance upon reaching Sakura Bar.

Following the clash, the protesters regrouped near the Raju Sculpture and concluded the program with a short rally.

In his concluding speech, Chhatra Jote Convener Salman Siddiqui criticized the authorities for failing to hold those responsible for the July massacre accountable.

“Since August 5, the masterminds of the July uprising massacre, including Obaidul Quader and others, have not been apprehended. Sheikh Hasina and all those complicit must be extradited and tried for genocide,” Siddiqui said.

He also criticized the government for allowing the rise of radical communal forces, accusing them of inaction.

“The government should address the real issues faced by the public, such as food prices, instead of imposing unjust VAT,” he added.

THE FIVE DEMANDS PRESENTED BY THE CHHATRA JOTE ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Ensure justice for the July genocide, provide financial support to the families of the martyrs, and rehabilitate the injured with proper treatment.
2. Break syndicates, control commodity prices, and revoke the increased VAT.
3. Investigate workers’ killings and fulfil their fair demands.
4. Publicize and annul anti-national agreements made with imperialist powers like India and the US.
5. Ensure a democratic environment by ending the military presence in the hill tracts.