Police thwart Ganatantra Mancha protest rally in city

Staff Reporter  :
Several people were injured in scuffles when the police on Monday thwarted a Ganatantra Mancha protest march towards the Secretariat in Dhaka.

Protesting the price hike of essential commodities and load shedding, the leaders and activists of the 6-party alliance were marching from the the National Press Club toward the Secretariat observe their scheduled programme. At about 11.30am, the police stopped the marchers at Zero Point by placing barbed wire fences on road when the latter’s stated procession towards the Secretariat at about 1.15pm.

Earlier, the procession marched form National Press Club to Paltan intersection. The leaders and activists of Ganatantra Mancha tried to break the barricade to continue their march. Several people were injured during scuffle between police and supporters of Ganatantra Mancha.

Later, the agitators held a rally on Abdul Gani Road.

At the rally, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rob said, the economic condition of the country is worsen under the misrule of the Awami League.

He said, “This government cannot remain in power for the sake of the people. They should resign first. An interim government is needed right now.”

Nagarik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, “There was no such foreign currency shortage in last few years which we are seeing now.”

People of Bangladesh are deprived of electricity, security and voting rights by this government. This is the high time for the government to step down, he added.

Labeling the government as fascist and looter, Manna said, “This government used to scare us. They used various tactics to mislead the people. That is why we say that your (government) time is over, go now.”

Among others, Ganasanghati Andolan chief coordinator Junaid Saki and Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque spoke at the rally.