Heavy traffic congestion has been reported in Dhaka city, especially around the University of Dhaka, as thousands of people across the country gathered at Suhrawardy Udyan to attend a rally organized by Olama Mashayekh Bangladesh.
The rally began at 9am on Tuesday and drew a significant number of madrasa students from various districts.
Traffic was reported near the Dhaka Elevated Expressway's exit ramp, Mogbazar, Farmgate, Nilkhet, Shahbagh, Karwan Bazar, Kakrail and Gulistan.
Around Dhaka University, students reported severe traffic congestion since early morning.
The crowds also gathered near the TSC area and around Raju Sculpture, further intensifying the gridlock.
Many students reported being stuck in traffic for hours despite leaving for classes in the morning. Some departments have also cancelled classes due to the congestion.
Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said: “We are trying to bring the situation under control, but managing such a large crowd is challenging. Since last night, we have restricted vehicles around the campus, yet the situation remains unresolved.”
Abdullah Salehin Ayon, a central coordinator of the Anti-Discriination Student Movement platform, in a Facebook post, said: "The situation on the campus was the same during the program of the banned organization Chhatra League. In today's program, permission was sought from the proctor for car parking, but he did not give permission. Still, buses have entered the campus, creating a lot of traffic. The same picture is being observed even after the new administration arrives. Groups of people coming to the program are also seen in academic buildings."
Harassment allegations
Several female students have reported being verbally harassed by outsiders attending the conference.
Sharmila Shurovi Pushpita, a student from the University’s CSE department, wrote on her Facebook: “The audacity to say, ‘What are women doing here?’ while you block the campus roads is infuriating—I couldn’t even walk from the metro to my department!”
Ania Fahmin, a student of Anthropology, wrote on her Facebook: "I do not understand how the security of the campus is not hampered even after harassing the girls in front of the faculty!"
The crowd from outside reportedly harassed students on campus in the name of moral policing.