Mirpur Road paralysed as injured protesters block traffic
Driver Shiblu Hossain stands idle with a small lorry in Shyamoli, having been stuck in the same spot for two hours. With no certainty about when the traffic jam will ease, his plight mirrors that of countless other drivers caught in the gridlock. The cause? Injured protesters from the mass uprising have taken to the road adjacent to Mirpur Shishu Mela in the capital, demanding proper treatment and recognition. As a result, major arteries such as Mirpur, Dhanmondi, Farmgate, Asad Gate, and Agargaon roads have come to a standstill, causing immense hardship for commuters.
On Sunday (February 2) morning, the injured protesters set up camp at the intersection of three roads in front of the Shishu Mela, amplifying their demands. Prior to this, they began protesting by standing on the road outside the National Orthopaedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (Pangu Hospital) late Saturday night. This action has triggered widespread disruption, rendering even rickshaws immobile.
Shahidul Islam, the driver of a Gabtoli-Jatrabari-bound bus numbered 8, expressed frustration to Jago News: "We've been stuck here for two hours. Even the police can't tell us when the traffic will start moving again. Today, it seems like the only thing rising is our frustration."
Scenes from the protest
At the site, many injured individuals—some with bandaged legs, others leaning on crutches or hooked up to saline drips—lined the road. "We want treatment, either death or liberation," and anti-discrimination slogans.
The protesters argue that their sacrifices ousted the Hasina government but left them neglected by the current administration. Among them are those blinded by tear gas, paralyzed, or amputees, all claiming that the freedom they fought for now ignores their needs.
An injured teacher named Nesar Uddin shared his anguish: "I protested in Banasree. We expelled the Hasina government from power." He lamented how their struggle has gone unrecognized despite months of drama surrounding their movement. "We're not sitting here with demands; we're fighting for our rights. Some people are forming political parties while others work as advisors, yet they find no time for us. It's heart-breaking. If giving our lives is what it takes to secure justice for ourselves and our fellow victims, then so be it. We defended our freedom. Why should we live inhumane lives now?"
Another victim, Md Hafez, described his dire condition: "My situation is critical. We need state recognition. They've visited us multiple times, promised things, but nothing has materialized. We must be rehabilitated. Those of us who are bedridden should be sent abroad for advanced treatment immediately. Our voices deserve to be heard. We worked selflessly for the nation and its people. Now, the state has an obligation to acknowledge us—but instead, we're forced onto the streets because the state refuses to see us. Payments for the July Foundation remain incomplete, leaving our families stranded. When will they act? Will they wait until we're dead?"
Mohammad Liton, an August uprising survivor, criticized the lack of genuine support: "They aren't providing real treatment, nor do they recognize or assure us. Our movement feels abandoned."
Traffic chaos worsens
As a consequence of the protest, traffic on Agargaon Link Road near Shishu Mela has ground to a halt. Surrounding areas, including Shyamoli, Kalyanpur, and Asad Gate, face severe congestion. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Patrol) Mohammadpur, Tariqul Islam, confirmed the situation: "The injured have been blocking the road since 10:30am, demanding adequate treatment. Initially, they staged protests near Nitor, but now they've moved to Mirpur Road, creating massive traffic jams across related routes."
With no immediate resolution in sight, both protesters and commuters continue to endure prolonged suffering. While the injured demand justice and accountability, the public grapples with the cascading effects of their actions, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and compromise.
