Students from various polytechnic institutes across the country brought traffic to a standstill in central Dhaka on Wednesday (16 April) as they staged a road blockade at the busy Satrasta intersection in Tejgaon, pressing a six-point list of demands.
The blockade began around 10:30am and swiftly expanded across Tejgaon and the surrounding industrial areas, with students from the capital’s polytechnic institutions joining the protest en masse.
The resulting traffic congestion quickly spiralled out of control, stretching as far as Mohakhali and leaving commuters stranded in sweltering conditions.
"We’ve taken to the streets because our repeated pleas have been ignored. No one listened before; they must listen now," one of the protesting students said.
"If officials want to negotiate, they must come to us. We won’t go to the secretariat."
Tejgaon Traffic Division Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam said, "The roads are effectively paralysed. Students from Dhaka Polytechnic Institute have blocked all major arteries in the area. Our traffic personnel are on the ground, but the roads will only reopen once the students withdraw."
Police had proposed a dialogue at the Secretariat, suggesting student representatives meet the education adviser. But the students refused.
Due to the blockade, the Tejgaon-Moghbazar corridor was choked with traffic, causing severe disruption throughout the area.
Police officials confirmed that higher authorities, including the relevant ministry, had been notified of the escalating crisis.
The students’ six-point demand, although not detailed in this report, appears to have gained momentum, prompting fears of further demonstrations should the authorities fail to engage swiftly.
