Students block road in capital, people in distress

Students of United International University (UIU) blocked the road in the capital's Notun Bazar area around 11 am today, creating extreme traffic jams and public suffering. The agitating students took up positions on the road in front of Bhatara police station, as a result of which traffic on the road from Rampura to Kuril Bishwa Road was completely stopped. As a result, people going to work and various destinations were forced to leave on foot.

Victim Mohammad Aminur Rahman said, "I had left Badda to go to Uttara with my wife and child. But when I reached Banshatala and got stuck in traffic, I was forced to get out of the car. It is very unfortunate that I have to walk with my family in this hot weather."

Another passenger, Rafiqul Islam, said, “I have to go to Rampura, but the traffic is closed. I am having a hard time walking in the heat. I often see protests on the streets, but the protesters do not understand how much suffering the common people are suffering.”

Adequate police have been deployed at the scene. Bhatara Police Station OC Md. Rakibul Hasan said, “We are trying to bring the situation under control. The protest is now taking place in front of our police station. Necessary steps have been taken to maintain law and order.”

The students claim that the police attacked their peaceful position. They allege that the police deliberately attacked the students to give advantage to a particular group.

However, the police members in charge have denied these allegations.

Earlier, the law enforcement forces tried to remove the students. Although the road was cleared for a while, the students returned to the road and created a blockade again.

As of the time of writing this report, the protest was ongoing and public suffering had reached its peak.