Vehicular movement on the Rampura–Natun Bazar road resumed on Wednesday evening after a two-hour blockade enforced by July Oikya, demanding the return of those allegedly involved in an attempt to kill Osman Hadi, spokesman of Inquilab Moncho.

July Oikya activists blocked the Rampura-Badda road in the afternoon, marching towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to press their demand for the extradition of the suspects.

After keeping the road blocked for nearly two hours, the organisation announced the end to its programme.

Earlier, at around 3pm, a procession led by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair started from Rampura Bridge and advanced towards North Badda.

The demonstrators later staged a sit-in on the road in front of Hossain Market in North Badda after facing police resistance, chanting slogans such as ‘Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka is Dhaka’ and ‘Why was my brother Hadi attacked?’

Addressing the gathering, Zubair said they had no intention of advancing further with the procession and only wanted to convey that no one would be allowed to impose dominance over Bangladesh.

“There is no fear. We will not attack the Indian High Commission. Our protest is a non-violent one. But if anyone tries to maintain hegemony over Bangladesh, they will not be spared,” he said.

Due to the blockade, severe traffic congestion gripped the entire area. With police barricades on both sides of the road and protesters occupying one side, all types of vehicles remained halted from Natun Bazar to Rampura for nearly two hours.

July Oikya blocks Rampura-Badda road over Hadi attack attempt

Vehicular movement on the Gulshan–Badda link road was also suspended during the blockade, causing immense suffering to commuters.

At around 5pm, July Oikya announced the end of its programme. The protesters warned of tougher movements ahead if the alleged attackers of Hadi are not brought back.

Although traffic resumed on the Rampura-Natun Bazar road after police removed the barricades, heavy congestion persisted across the area due to pressure from stranded vehicles.