Students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Tuesday night blocked a part of the Dhaka-Aricha highway, after a fellow student became a victim of snatching in Savar, resulting in traffic congestion.
Shanto Jabali, the victim, said: "My friend and I were returning to the campus from Savar on a rickshaw. After crossing the overbridge in the C&B area, three muggers ambushed us with sharp weapons from behind the bushes. My hand was cut trying to stop the attack. They snatched our mobile phones and wallets.”
Meanwhile, when a bus arrived there and its passengers noticed the incident, the snatchers fled to the other side of the road, Shanto said.
After the incident, JU students blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway, causing a traffic jam stretching over 2km.
The students demanded the arrest of the snatchers within 48 hours, the installation of CCTV cameras in the C&B area and increased police patrolling in mugging-prone areas.
In response to the demands, the police assured the students of increased security measures and the rickshaw puller was taken to Savar police station, following which the protesting students lifted their blockad at around 10pm.
Ashulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kamruzzaman said: “There will be a check post from 5pm to 5am from today. One will be placed between C&B to Mir Musharraf Hall (of JU) and another will be between Mir Musharraf Hall Gate and Marginal Gate. Arrangements will be made to arrest those involved within 48 hours.”
Savar Highway Police Station OC Azizul Haque said they regularly patrol the area and that such incidents are unexpected. “We will intensify our patrols."
