The Paltan-Shahbagh branch of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Basad) staged a protest march and three street rallies in Dhaka on Friday, demanding a rollback of increased fuel prices, lower utility and transport costs and free nationwide testing for dengue and measles.

The party also demanded measures to control prices of essential commodities amid concerns over the spread of dengue and measles across the country.

The demonstrations began at 4:30 pm, with street rallies held in front of Segunbagicha High School, Segunbagicha Kacha Bazar and Shilpakala Academy.

The procession started at Segunbagicha High School and passed through Segunbagicha Kacha Bazar, Segunbagicha Society and Shilpakala Academy before moving past Dhaka Reporters Unity and ending at Segunbagicha School intersection.

Branch leader Raihanuddin chaired the rallies.

Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal Dhaka Metropolitan leaders Khalequzzaman Lipon and Rokhsana Afroze Asha, and branch leaders Nur Alam, Suhael Ahmed Shuvo and Shariful Islam Didar also addressed the gatherings.

Speakers expressed concern over the spread of dengue and measles and called on the government to introduce free testing for both diseases across the country.

The Basad leaders also demanded that the government reverse the latest fuel price increase and take steps to contain the prices of essential commodities.

They called on people from all sections of society to build a broader movement over fuel, utility and commodity prices and the response to the dengue and measles outbreaks.