Members of the July Martyrs’ families and injured survivors withdrew from their protest on the road in front of the Secretariat after issuing an ‘ultimatum’ to the interim government.
The protesters vacated the road around 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, which they had blocked from 12:30 p.m. in front of the Secretariat’s gate no. 2.
Their primary demand was the resignation of interim government’s Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul.
Before dispersing, the protesters declared that the Law Adviser must explain to the Chief Adviser by next Sunday why the accused in the July killings are being granted bail.
They also demanded that this explanation be made public.
The demonstrators further alleged that police carried out an attack on them during Tuesday’s programme and urged the Home Adviser to ensure visible justice in this regard.
Announcing the next phase of the movement, Rabiul Awal, brother of martyr Tayim, said that although the Law Adviser had invited them for dialogue, they had rejected the proposal.
He warned that if no explanation is given regarding the bail of the accused and no visible action is taken over the police assault by Sunday, the protesters would resume their movement.
Awal further cautioned that if their demands are not met within the deadline, they would demand not only the resignation of the Law Adviser but also that of the Home Adviser.
He added that the next protest would bring July martyrs’ families and survivors from across the country to gather again in front of the Secretariat’s gate no. 2.
Earlier in the day, at 11:15 a.m., the families and survivors held a demonstration in front of the National Press Club before marching toward the Secretariat.
Their road blockade halted traffic in the area as they chanted slogans, including: “Resign, resign, Asif Nazrul must resign,” “One demand, one solution: resignation of Asif Nazrul,” “Killers roam free, what is the judiciary doing?” and “My brother is in the grave, why is the killer outside?”
The protesters alleged that accused individuals in the July massacre were securing bail in exchange for money and demanded the immediate resignation of Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, as well as the removal of certain judges.
Tensions flared earlier when police tried to prevent the demonstrators from marching toward the Secretariat, resulting in scuffles.
Protesters alleged that police hurled insults and physically assaulted them.
Safat Siddiqui, mother of martyr Ahnaf, said: Police hurled vile abuses at the July Martyrs’ families. I was kicked by police… We have come here with rightful demands, and we will not leave without achieving them.”
In response to the allegations, Masud Alam, DC of Ramna Division Police, said: “If such incidents occurred, we will take appropriate action based on proper investigation.”
