For the second consecutive day, hundreds of protesters, led by the “July Warriors” and including those injured in the 2024 July uprising, have blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, demanding swift finalization of the July Charter delay. The demonstrations, which began on July 31, 2025, at around 10:30 AM, have caused significant traffic disruptions, halting movement in surrounding areas like Matsya Bhaban and Bangla Motor. Commuters faced hours of delays, with many forced to walk long distances.
July Charter Delay Details
The protesters are pressing the National Consensus Commission to complete the charter, a set of reform proposals stemming from the July Revolution, which ousted the Awami League government. Disagreements over a clause requiring reforms within two years of forming a new government have stalled talks, with parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party voicing objections. A brief scuffle with police occurred on July 31 when authorities attempted to clear barricades, but no major escalation was reported.
What’s Next
Despite rain reducing protester numbers temporarily, the blockade persisted into August 1, 2025, with slogans demanding immediate action. The commission, tasked with concluding dialogues with 30 political parties, aimed to finalize the charter by July 31 but has yet to reach a consensus. The ongoing protests highlight public frustration with the pace of reforms, rooted in the 2024 student-led movement against job quotas that evolved into a broader call for democratic change.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 1st, 2025
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