Dhaka, Bangladesh – The funeral prayer of Shaheed Hasan, who was shot dead by police in Jatrabari on August 5 last year, was held at Dhaka University (DU). Following the funeral, students and protesters organized a coffin march demanding the banning of the Awami League for its alleged involvement in the July massacre.

On Friday (February 14), after the Jumu'ah prayers, the funeral was held at the Raju Sculpture area of Dhaka University. Following the prayer, a protest march was carried out, which moved through the campus before concluding at the Vice-Chancellor’s premises with a brief assembly.

During the march, protesters chanted slogans such as “Ban Ban, Awami League,” “Break Down the Awami League’s Stronghold,” “My Brother is in a Coffin, Why are the Killers Free?” “Student Protest Action, Direct Action,” “Hasina the Murderer, Where Will You Hide?” “Down with Mujibism, Long Live the Revolution,” and “We Won’t Let Our Brother’s Blood Go in Vain.”

Shaheed Hasan’s father spoke emotionally, recalling how his son left home on August 5 and never returned. Despite searching through every hospital, morgue, and graveyard in Dhaka, he found no trace of his son until forensic testing confirmed Hasan’s identity at Dhaka Medical College Morgue six months later. He demanded the highest form of justice for those responsible for his son’s death and the killing of thousands of others on that day.

At the brief assembly, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating the July massacre to maintain her 17-year rule. They called for Awami League’s complete ban and prosecution. They also urged international and domestic forces to ensure Hasina’s return and maximum punishment.

The protesters further asserted that as long as a single soldier from July’s revolution remains alive, they will work towards eliminating Awami League. They demanded the arrest of anyone who supported the ruling party and warned that if authorities failed to act, revolutionary students and the masses would take matters into their own hands.

On August 5, under Sheikh Hasina’s orders, police and border security forces allegedly opened fire on student protesters in Jatrabari, resulting in widespread casualties. Hasan was among those shot and went missing. His body was discovered at Dhaka Medical College Morgue six months later, and it was handed over to his family after forensic testing.