On Thursday 8 AUGUST, leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliate organizations staged a protest on the Dhaka-Khulna Highway in Kashiani, Gopalganj, demanding the return of Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh. The protest, marked by the presence of several thousands of Awami League supporters armed with various traditional weapons, took place between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Protesters from different unions marched to Ghonapara and Tilchara Bazar areas, where they blocked the highway, causing significant traffic congestion.
During the demonstration, participants were seen wielding machetes, axes, shields, and sticks as they chanted slogans demanding the immediate return of Sheikh Hasina. The entire area resonated with their chants, leading to severe traffic disruptions on both sides of the road, causing considerable inconvenience for the people. However, the protesters voluntarily lifted the blockade at around 6:00 PM, allowing traffic to resume normal flow.
Sheikh Mokim-ul-Islam, an Awami League leader, emphasized the urgency of Sheikh Hasina’s return, accusing certain groups of conspiring against her by manipulating student movements to drive her out of the country. He declared that their protests would continue until Sheikh Hasina is brought back to Bangladesh.
When contacted for comments, Kashiani Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Md. Zillur Rahman, stated that he was unaware of the day’s events as he had not been on duty.
In a related event, Awami League leaders and activists in Tungipara also held a protest march and rally demanding Sheikh Hasina’s return. The march began at 11:00 AM from the Tungipara Awami League office, passing through Patgati Bus Stand and Bazaar before returning to the starting point and concluding at the Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex.
At the mausoleum, Tungipara Upazila Awami League Vice President Elias Hossain led the participants in taking an oath, declaring their commitment to the movement for Sheikh Hasina’s return. Approximately 15,000 supporters from five unions joined the protest. Following the oath, they offered prayers for Sheikh Hasina’s safety, health, and long life.
Notable attendees at the Tungipara event included Tungipara Upazila Awami League President Abul Bashar Khair, Tungipara Mayor Sheikh Tozammel Haque, Upazila Awami League Joint General Secretary Imdadul Haque Biswas, Tungipara Municipal Awami League President Sheikh Saiful Islam, Upazila Awami League Organizing Secretary Gazi Ashiqur Rahman, Tungipara Upazila Krishak League President Md. Milon Molla, Upazila Women’s Awami League President Kulsum Begum, and Tungipara Upazila Jubo Mohila League President Kazi Sofida Akhter.
