Police stopped leaders and activists of an 11-party alliance as they marched toward the Secretariat on Thursday to protest fuel and gas shortages, disputed electricity bills, worsening law and order, and rising prices of essential goods. The group reached the area near the Secretariat at about 12:45 p.m. and staged a sit-in after police blocked its advance. They later left at around 1:30 p.m. without meeting any government representative.

The alliance had begun its march from Muktangan in the capital at 12:40 p.m., following an earlier sit-in programme. Police erected barricades after the procession crossed Zero Point. Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman addressed the gathering near the Secretariat, saying the group had come with public demands rather than to disrespect anyone.

Rahman called for a responsible minister or representative to receive the demands and said further protests and programmes would continue if they were not met. He also asked police officials to convey the alliance's message to the appropriate authorities. Senior alliance figures present included Nahid Islam, Oli Ahmad, Mia Golam Porwar and Rashed Pradhan.