Amid the nationwide non-cooperation movement called by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, the leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League (AL) held mass gatherings on Sunday in all wards of the capital and across all cities and districts of the country.

AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader announced the programme during an emergency press conference at the AL President’s Dhanmondi political office on Saturday.

Visiting various parts of the city – Karwan Bazar, Farmgate, Mirpur-10, Dhanmondi, Paltan, Gulistan – the Daily Sun observed that AL leaders and activists took positions with batons and other native weapons on main roads and in alleys, holding small rallies in these locations.

As the day progressed, the presence of activists on these roads increased, with the highest concentration seen on Dhanmondi Road Number 32.

Several hundred Awami League members took positions in front of the party’s central office, chanting slogans. The gathering grew rapidly as the day went on, with leaders and activists arriving in groups to join the procession. The Awami League members then began marching on various roads near the party office, continuing to chant slogans.

As the day progressed, clashes between protesters and AL leaders and activists erupted across the city, resulting in six deaths and hundreds of injuries. Awami League activists clashed with protesters in the Mirpur and Uttara areas of the capital.

In Mirpur, the incident occurred around noon at Mirpur-10. Eyewitnesses reported that Awami League activists chased protesters with sticks as they were moving from Mirpur-14 and 12 towards Mirpur-10. During this time, the protesters fled into different alleys, and gunshots were also heard.

A three-way clash occurred between protesters, AL leaders, and police in Azampur, Uttara. Eyewitnesses reported that chases were taking place from Azampur to Jasimuddin in various locations. Police fired sound grenades and tear gas to disperse the protesters, who responded by throwing bricks.  A group of Awami League activists from Azampur chased the protesters, who then retaliated. However, when the Awami League members retreated, the protesters confronted the police and later blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway from House Building, Azampur to BNS Centre.

Meanwhile, AL Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanak held a press briefing at the AL President’s Dhanmondi political office in the afternoon.

In the press briefing, Nanak said, “The movement on the streets with a one-point demand to overthrow the government is not led by students but by BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami conspirators.”

He added, “The Awami League is on the streets to resist these anarchists. The protesters must take responsibility for the resulting situation, including the killings and violence. The stability of the country will not be destroyed in the name of this movement.”

Nanak called upon Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters to come to the streets to “fight terrorism”. He concluded by saying, “Lastly, we want to make it clear that we have reached the last limit of patience.”