Police barred a procession brought out by the country's eminent citizens -- demanding justice for writer Mushtaq Ahmed's death in jail custody and abolition of Digital Security Act -- in front of InterContinental hotel in Dhaka's Shahbagh area when it was moving towards the Prime Minister's Office.
Being resisted, Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury negotiated with law enforcers and proposed to allow a 20-member team to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Later, Dr Zafrullah thanked police for not physically charging the demonstrators and ended their programme for today around 2:15pm.
Talking to media, Chief Coordinator of Gana Samhati Andolon Zonayed Saki said a tougher protest will be waged if the DSA is not abolished by March 26.
Earlier, eminent citizens held a rally demanding justice for writer Mushtaq and all who died in custody so far. The rally started in front of Jatiya Press Club around 11:15am.
Speakers at the rally said they wanted proper investigation over the death of Mushtaq in jail custody and the highest punishment of those responsible.
Convener of Nagorik Oikya Mahmudur Rahman Manna; Secretary of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik, Badiul Alam Majumdar; Internationally acclaimed photographer Shahidul Alam, among others, were present at the rally.
Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain and Dhaka University Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury also expressed their solidarity with them. However, they were not present at the rally.
They went through three barricades near Matsya Bhaban on their way, without any police interference.
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