Students from seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University blocked the Nilkhet and Science Lab intersections in the capital, demanding independence from Dhaka University and the establishment of an autonomous university.
The protest resulted in massive traffic congestion across Dhanmondi and nearby areas.
The students began their demonstration at the Nilkhet intersection at noon on Monday, after initially gathering at the Science Lab intersection.
On-site reports indicate that traffic came to a standstill on roads connecting Nilkhet to Dhaka University, Bakshi Bazar, New Market, Azimpur, and Science Lab due to the blockade.
Several hundred students participated in the protest, turning vehicles away from the area. Tensions rose as some students engaged in heated arguments with passengers and drivers.
Zakaria, a student from Kabi Nazrul Government College, said: "We, the students of seven colleges, have been facing discrimination for a long time. We do not want to be under the National University after leaving Dhaka University. We demand an independent institution to address this disparity. It could be a university, and today we have blocked the road to press this demand."
Regarding the withdrawal of the blockade, Zakaria added: "We will lift the blockade if the authorities promise to form a committee or commission to transform our seven colleges into an independent institution."
Meanwhile, city residents faced immense difficulties due to the gridlock.
A passenger named Tawfiq Imam, who was stuck on a bus headed for Savar, expressed his frustration: "I left home in a hurry for urgent work, but I’ve been stuck in traffic at the Science Lab intersection for over an hour. If I don’t arrive on time, my work will be delayed, and I’ll have to deal with additional hassle."
Imran, a bus driver for the Dishari route, echoed the passengers' frustration: "I started work this morning and haven’t been able to complete even a single trip. I’ve been stuck here for more than an hour and a half. Many passengers have left without paying their fares. Now I’m worried about how I’ll meet my financial obligations to the bus owner by the end of the day."
