Eight leftist organisations have called off a planned march in Dhaka to demand justice for murders and rapes, along with the removal of the home affairs advisor.

In light of the "overall situation", they decided to hold a brief rally instead.

The rally began at 11:30 AM on Saturday and lasted for about half an hour before Bangladesh Students` Union President Mahir Shahriar Reza announced the cancellation of the procession.

"Attempts are being made to create chaos around our programme. Intelligence agencies have advised us to shorten or cancel the event. However, threats and intimidation won`t silence us," he said.

"Considering the overall situation in the country, we are postponing the planned march from the Central Shaheed Minar to the TSC and ending today`s programme here."

The organisations involved in the event include the Bangladesh Students’ Union, Bangladesh Youth Union, Socialist Students` Front, Bangladesh Chhatra League (JASAD), Hill Students` Council, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, Charan Sanskritik Kendra, Central Khelaghor Asor, Socialist Women’s Forum, Bangladesh Khetmajur Samity, and Bangladesh Trade Union Centre.