Rashed Khan, the General Secretary of Gana Adhikar Parishad, has strongly criticized the recent Shahbag blockade, questioning if it is being supported by the state. In a Facebook post, he demanded government clarification over a viral video that suggests a government official advised this protest. He also urged to stop state-sponsored mobs and restore peace in the country.
Rashed Khan Questions Motive Behind Shahbag Protest
Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gana Adhikar Parishad, has raised strong concerns over the current blockade at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka. He suspects the involvement of state support behind this demonstration and asked a pointed question:
“রাষ্ট্রীয় পৃষ্ঠপোষকতায় আরেকটি শাহবাগ বানাতে চায় কারা?”
(“Who wants to create another Shahbag with state support?”)
Facebook Post Sparks Debate
On Friday afternoon (August 1, 2025), Rashed Khan posted on his personal Facebook page, demanding the government to respond to a video that went viral on social media.
In the video, it is alleged that the PS (Personal Secretary) of the Chief Advisor, Sabbir Bhai, advised the July Fighters to block Shahbagh.
“একটি ভিডিও সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যমে ছড়িয়ে পড়েছে যে, প্রধান উপদেষ্টার পিএস সাব্বির ভাই শাহবাগ ব্লক করার জন্য জুলাই যোদ্ধাদের পরামর্শ দিয়েছেন। এই বক্তব্যের বিষয়ে সরকারের স্টেটমেন্ট জানতে চাই।”
(“A video has gone viral where Sabbir Bhai, PS to the Chief Advisor, is seen advising the July Fighters to block Shahbag. We want a government statement on this.”)
Doubts Over Government Role
Rashed Khan expressed his concern about the silence of the authorities:
“একটা দেশের রাজধানীর মূল পয়েন্ট শাহবাগ কয়েকজন মিলে অবরোধ করে রাখবে। আর সরকার ও পুলিশ চুপচাপ থাকবে। এভাবে রাষ্ট্রের স্থিতিশীলতা চায় তারা?”
(“A few people can just block a major point like Shahbag in the capital, and the government and police will stay silent? Is this how they want national stability?”)
He further criticized the apparent staging of the protest and questioned its legitimacy.
“আজকে ভিডিওতে দেখলাম, এখানে লোক ভাড়া করে আনা হয়েছে। কি দাবিতে এসেছে বলতে পারছে না। রাতে তাদের বিরিয়ানিও দেওয়া হয়েছে।”
(“I saw in the video today that people were hired for the protest. They don’t even know why they are here. They were given biryani at night.”)
Read More: “New Government, Same Old Style – No Real Change”: Masud Kamal
Call to End State-Sponsored Mob
Ending his post, Rashed Khan urged:
“রাষ্ট্রীয় মব বন্ধ কর, দেশকে স্থিতিশীল কর।”
(“Stop state-sponsored mobs and bring stability to the country.”)
Background of the Shahbag Blockade
This protest started on Thursday, July 31, around 10:30 AM, organized by a platform named “Julyoddha Sangsad” (July Fighters’ Council). They are demanding the implementation of the July Declaration and Charter as permanent law.
Despite heavy rain, the protest continued for two consecutive days.
Major Traffic Disruptions
As Shahbagh was blocked, surrounding roads faced severe traffic jams, causing major suffering for commuters and pedestrians. Vehicles were redirected from:
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Katabon Intersection
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Hotel Intercontinental Crossing
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Matsya Bhaban Area
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In front of Shahbag Police Station
Source: Kaler Kantho
