Protesters demanding the construction of a bridge connecting Bhola and Barisal — along with four other demands — have withdrawn from the Shahbagh intersection, allowing traffic to return to normal.
They dispersed around 6:30pm on Friday.
Earlier in the afternoon, after Jummah prayers, demonstrators marched from various points and gathered at Shahbagh, where they staged a rally and reiterated their five-point demand.
Their demands include the construction of the Bhola–Barisal bridge, establishment of a medical university in Bhola, a public university, gas connections, and other essential facilities.
Protesters chanted slogans for several hours while blocking the intersection. Many Bhola residents currently living in Dhaka also joined the programme carrying banners and placards.
Police remained on alert throughout the demonstration and set up barricades on the Shahbagh–Banglamotor-bound road to manage traffic.
Protesters said their primary demand was the construction of the Bhola–Barisal bridge, which they claimed was supported by all residents of Bhola. They called the project crucial for regional connectivity and said widespread public support had prompted them to take to the streets.
They expressed hope that the government would accept their demands and take swift steps to begin construction.
Some protesters said they had been demonstrating at Shahbagh for several days with the same set of demands, and that thousands had participated in the latest procession. They reiterated their expectation that the government would implement the demands.
They added that the proposed bridge would significantly improve travel conditions and benefit people on both sides, and urged authorities to consider their appeal and start work on the long-awaited project.
One of the protesters, Ismail Sumon, told reporters: “Our main demand is a bridge from Bhola to Barisal. Travelling has become extremely difficult. We rely entirely on launches to cross the river, making night-time travel almost impossible. Even when someone needs to be taken to Dhaka for treatment, we often have to wait an entire day.”
He said all the protesters were either residents of Bhola or individuals who had been living and working in Dhaka for some time.
Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khaled Monsur told Dhaka Tribune: “A group of people gathered at Shahbagh with several demands and staged a demonstration for a few hours. Later, they were persuaded to leave the road. They have now left, and the situation is normal. Traffic is running smoothly.”
