On Tuesday, October 22, students gathered in front of the Bangabhaban, demanding the resignation of President Md. Sahabuddin. The protest is part of a larger four-point demand organized by the Independence and Sovereignty Protection Committee. Around 3:30 PM, the protesters reached the area surrounding the presidential residence to stage a sit-in and blockade.
In anticipation of the demonstration, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) strengthened security in the area. A large number of police officers have been deployed, and water cannons and APCs (armored personnel carriers) from both the police and military are on standby.
The protest began with a procession at 12 PM from the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus, led by the Independence and Sovereignty Protection Committee. The march faced police resistance at the High Court Mazar intersection but managed to reach the vicinity of Bangabhaban. When the protesters tried to enter the presidential complex, they were met with a police blockade, forcing them to hold their protest at the nearby intersection.
Meanwhile, another large gathering is taking place at the Central Shaheed Minar. Organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, participants there are also calling for the resignation of President Sahabuddin and the banning of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League.
The protests gained momentum following an interview President Md. Sahabuddin gave to Manab Zamin, where he stated he had no documentary evidence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. His comments sparked widespread political debate. In response, protesters, including students, are now calling for his resignation.
On Monday night, the President’s press office issued a statement declaring that the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation had already been resolved and warned against destabilizing the interim government with new controversies. Nonetheless, dissatisfaction continues to grow among certain sections of the public, as seen in the ongoing protests.
