A fire broke out in the temporary courtroom established within the grounds of Alia Madrasa in Bakshibazar for the proceedings of the Pilkhana massacre.
Despite the presence of a fire service vehicle outside the madrasa, no firefighting activities could be conducted as both main gates remained locked.
The blaze in the early hours of Thursday (9 January) resulted in the destruction of several documents and pieces of furniture, according to Chawkbazar Police Station.
In response to the fire, students have taken to the streets, blocking roads and demanding the courtroom be vacated and the grounds be reopened for their use.
Since the morning, a large number of Alia Madrasa students have maintained the road blockade.
To ensure the situation remains under control, a significant police force has been deployed at the scene, along with a contingent from the army.
Protesting students claim that the ongoing judicial proceedings within the madrasa disrupt their educational activities.
They have previously submitted complaints to the ministry on several occasions without any response, which has led to the current road blockade.
Following a night-long protest, students escalated their actions on Thursday morning by burning tyres and occupying the streets.
They have vowed not to vacate the area until their demands are met.
Officer-in-Charge of Chawkbazar Police Station, Rezaul Hossain stated that the police are stationed inside Alia Madrasa to maintain order.
Despite this, students continue to protest by blocking the roads outside.
The police official further explained that the extensive premises of Alia Madrasa have two locked gates, and the fire service vehicle was positioned outside.
In the early hours, in the darkness, unknown individuals set fire to one of the courtrooms, burning some papers and furniture.
The culprits behind the fire are yet to be identified, and the fire service was not required to intervene.
Police also noted that the madrasa courtroom had suffered significant damage in an incident on 5 August.
The government had decided that the BDR mutiny case proceedings would be carried out at the temporary court in Bakshibazar from Thursday.
Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday (8 January).
