Protesters Demand Immediate Resignation of President Shahabuddin

Protests Erupt at Bangabhaban

On Tuesday afternoon, protesters gathered before the Bangabhaban, issuing a stringent 24-hour ultimatum for President Shahabuddin to step down. This demonstration was part of a ‘Gherao’ program to show the growing dissent against the current administration. Many attendees openly criticized the president, labeling him an ally of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League and expressing their desire for change.

Demands for Leadership Change

The atmosphere was charged as various groups rallied under banners such as ‘Committee to Protect Independence-Sovereignty’ and ‘Raktim July 2024’. The demonstrators made it clear that failure on Shahabuddin’s part to resign would lead to intensified protests. “We don’t want him to be president,” echoed throughout the crowd, representative of the overall sentiment among the protesters.

Heightened Security Measures

In response to the gathering, Dhaka Metropolitan Police tightened security measures around the Bangabhaban area, deploying many police and preparing APCs and water cannons to manage potential escalation. As tensions rose and questions surrounding his presidency mounted, Shahabuddin’s recent comments regarding his lack of documents related to political resignation stirred further controversy.

Additionally, the situation escalated with another ultimatum being issued to ban the Chhatra League from a planned mass gathering at the central Shaheed Minar, labeling the organization as a ‘terrorist’ group. The call for political change is unmistakably increasing nationwide, emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue and resolution.