Police today foiled Gonojagoron Mancha's attempt to demonstrate at Shahbagh, Dhaka, against the ongoing spree of gunfights that has killed at least 130.

A group of activists of the platform led by its spokesperson Imran H Sarker tried to form the human chain around 4:00pm; but was denied by police.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Assistant Deputy Commissioner (Ramna Zone) Azimul Haque said they lacked permission to arrange such programme, and thus police barred them.  

Later at a press conference, Imran criticised the government for not allowing them to hold the human chain over “killing in the name of shootouts” during the anti-narcotics drive.

"We support the anti-drug drive; but we stand against the killing spree," Imran said, blasting the government for its inaction against “big fishes” in the drug business.

"Big fishes remain untouched. Only the small ones are being caught and killed," Imran said.

He also demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the government high-ups who are involved in the drug trading. 

Imran also said, the ruling Awami League is running the country like a dictator that cannot continue for long.

About blocking The Daily Star online website, Imran said a group of vested quarter blocked the website following a report published in the news portal over the much-talked-about extra-judicial killing.