Traffic in central Dhaka came to a standstill on Thursday as protesters calling themselves “July Warriors” blockaded the Shahbagh intersection, demanding that the July Declaration and July Charter be permanently incorporated into the Constitution.
Starting around 10:30 a.m., members of the July Warriors Council took to the streets, and the protest dragged on for hours. The situation was unchanged by evening, with Shahbagh police chief Khalid Mansur confirming the blockade was still active.
The blockade completely shut down traffic in the Shahbagh area, snarling up all the connecting roads.
The scene was tense but orderly, with only ambulances and police getting waved through the blockade. But that fragile peace was broken when officers made a move to tear the barricades down.
An officer confirmed the clash anonymously. Sure enough, videos soon appeared on social media showing the two sides shoving each other. OC Khalid Mansur, however, said he wasn’t aware of any trouble.
Rain around midday caused the crowd to temporarily disperse, letting a few private cars pass through, but protesters quickly regrouped.
One participant said their programs would continue until the July Charter is officially announced.
The demonstrators’ demands include:
- Formal recognition of July martyrs and “July Warriors”
- Lifelong support for families of the deceased and injured
- State-funded medical care, education, and welfare benefits
- Full government responsibility for treatment and rehabilitation
- Special legal protection centers
- Creation of an independent Truth and Justice Commission
This protest comes at a critical time, as the National Consensus Commission tries to hammer out the final details of the July Charter.
Don’t expect a final draft anytime soon, since negotiators are still tied up in a second round of talks with political parties.
But that hasn’t silenced opponents like Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), and Islami Andolon Bangladesh, who are already coming out swinging against the proposal.
They argue that the charter must carry legal force and not remain a political pledge. The current draft requires reform programs to be implemented within two years of a new government taking office, but critics say that without legislation, the commitment may not be enforceable.
BNP has expressed general agreement with the draft, while smaller parties and activists are pressing for immediate adoption and legal backing.
This blockade is all about student groups putting serious pressure on a government they feel is dragging its feet. The core of the issue is the July Charter—politicians are still deadlocked on how to make it official. In response, the protesters are making it plain that the demonstrations will continue until something finally gives.
