Students from various educational institutions blockaded the Ashulia highway in Dhaka on Wednesday, protesting against attacks on students involved in the ongoing quota reform movement and the killing of six people nationwide.
When some people, reportedly members of the Sramik League, the labour wing of the ruling Awami League, approached them with sticks in hand, the students chased them away and took up position in the Baipail area.
The blockade and protests began around 11am at Zirani Bazaar. The students then moved to Baipail, causing traffic on the highway to come to a halt for about an hour and a half.
Students from several institutions, including Alhaj Abdul Mannan Degree College, BKSP Public School and College, BEPZA Public School and College, and Govt Bangabandhu College, participated in the blockade and protests.
When leaders and activists of the Khasimpur thana unit of the Chhatra League attempted to remove them, an altercation ensued. The students left the highway around 1pm, about an hour and a half later.
The students said peaceful protesters advocating for quota reform had been attacked, with many of their peers being shot and killed indiscriminately.
They demanded justice for these actions and vowed to continue their movement until justice was served and the quota system was reformed.
Savar highway police station Officer-in-Charge Ayub Ali said upon receiving news of the blockade, police arrived at the scene and convinced the students to clear the highway.