Police on Thursday set up barricades to stop activists of Islami Andolan Bangladesh from a march towards Indian High Commission in Dhaka protesting the derogatory remarks on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by two BJP leaders.

Several thousand leaders and activities started the march from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque area around 11 am as part of their earlier scheduled programme.

When the procession, led by the party’s Ameer Mufti Rezaul Karim Pri Saheb Charmonai, reached Santinagar intersection at noon police in riot gear barricaded them.

Police, however,  allowed a five-member delegation of the party, led by its presidium member Mosaddek Billah Al Madani, to proceed to the mission in Baridhara to submit a protest memorandum, said Shahidul Islam Kabir, wing coordinator of Islami Andolan Bangladesh.

Also read: Protest rallies held in Bangladesh to condemn remarks against Prophet

The slogan-chanting protesters demanded exemplary punishment of former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal for their objectionable comments.

The protesters dispersed peacefully after their leaders left for the Indian mission.

The protest led to traffic congestion in the area during the peak hour causing sufferings to commuters.

Earlier on Friday Islami Andolan Bangladesh announced the march towards Indian High Commission to submit a memorandum.

Also on Friday, several thousand people took to the streets after the prayers at Baitul Mukurram National Mosque and marched up to Nightingale point in Kakrail amid heavy police deployment.

The BJP sacked the two spokespersons from their respective posts, saying the party “respects all religions”.

India has been facing outrage from the Muslim-majority nations, especially from the Middle Eastern countries over the issue.

Also read:Indian Muslims protest over Prophet remarks