Dhaka, Dec 19 (V7N)- Protest marches erupted in different parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka, after Friday prayers, protesting the shooting death of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and demanding justice for those responsible.

Following the Jummah prayers at noon, protest processions began in the Shahbagh and Baitul Mukarram Mosque areas of the capital. Students and members of the public gradually gathered at Shahbagh, marching from the central mosque of Dhaka University.

Meanwhile, in Gazipur, students blocked the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway at the Gazipur intersection as part of their protest against the killing. In Rangpur, demonstrators held a protest rally in front of the July Memorial, demanding immediate arrest and punishment of the perpetrators.

Earlier in the day, a funeral prayer in absentia for Sharif Osman Hadi was held. Around 11:00 am, a section of protesters attempted to march toward the Chief Advisor’s office. However, police barricaded the area near the InterContinental Hotel, forcing the protesters to turn back. They later regrouped and resumed their demonstration at Shahbagh via Bangla Motor Intersection.

Meanwhile, the National Citizens Party (NCP) postponed its scheduled program at Shahbagh. Party Convener Nahid Islam urged activists and supporters to exercise utmost caution while organizing any programs after Friday prayers.

The situation remained tense in several areas as law enforcement agencies increased security amid ongoing demonstrations demanding justice for the slain activist.

END/SMA/AJ