Police block ‘March to Indian High Commission’ in North Badda

The protesters have been blocked in front of Hossain Market and are now giving a speech at the location, law enforcers say

Police have blocked a protest march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka by a group called the July Oikya.

On Wednesday afternoon, police intercepted the procession, which started from the Rampura Bridge, in front of Hossain Market in North Badda.

Badda Zone Assistant Commissioner Md Asaduzzaman said in the afternoon, "They have been blocked in front of Hossain Market. They are giving a speech there.”

The official also noted that “sufficient police personnel” have been deployed in the area.

The July Oikya – a platform of several organisations that took part in the July Uprising – announced the protest programme on Wednesday to push for a range of political demands, including objections to what it described as Indian influence in Bangladesh and the expatriation of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates taking shelter in India.

In response, the Indian High Commission closed the visa centre at Dhaka’s Jamuna Future Park for a few hours from 2pm on Wednesday.

A notice on the website of the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) said that the closure was due to “security reasons”.

“In view of the ongoing security situation, we wish to bring to your notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2pm today [Wednesday],” the notice said.

All applicants with appointments scheduled for Wednesday will be given new dates at a later time, it added.