A group of LGBTQ+ activists staged a sit-in protest at Shahbagh on April 17, led by organizers including Sahara Choudhury Rabil and Siam, protesting mob harassment and demanding recognition of their rights. The program ran from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, drew participation from supporters, and maintained a visibly assertive tone despite a tense environment. Protesters remained on-site until the scheduled conclusion.
At around 3:00 PM, police imposed Section 144, restricting public gatherings, and instructed the group to vacate the area. Protesters reported that officers also compelled those wearing face coverings to remove them for identification and documentation. Despite this, organizers and participants stayed until 4:00 PM, completing their program as planned.
After the demonstration ended and banners were being packed, a religious cleric allegedly snatched one of the banners and fled. Participants briefly chased him in an attempt to recover it. Organizers stated that no physical attack occurred during the protest itself and emphasized that the program concluded successfully.
Activists raised concerns that such incidents may be misrepresented online, noting that the removal or destruction of protest materials can be used to construct claims that the protest was disrupted or defeated. They pointed to how images and symbols are often circulated on social media to frame opposing narratives.
The protest comes days after an April 10 mob attack in Shahbagh, where individuals were assaulted based on perceived gender identity. The incident drew condemnation from over 370 citizens and rights groups, who criticized police inaction, lack of cooperation with victims, and failure to take legal action against those involved
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