Students of Tejgaon College on Wednesday blocked roads in the capital’s Farmgate area, demanding a speedy trial for the murder of their classmate Sakibul Hasan Rana and the immediate arrest of those responsible.
As a result of the blockade, traffic came to a standstill at the Farmgate intersection, on the elevated expressway and on surrounding roads, causing severe congestion in the area.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the students first blocked the section of the elevated expressway towards Farmgate–Khamarbari around 11:45am. Later, at about 12:30pm, they moved to block the Farmgate intersection. During the protest, they chanted slogans such as “My brother is in the grave, why is the murderer free?” and “My brother’s blood must not go in vain.”
The blockade led to long tailbacks on roads in Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon and adjoining areas. Members of law enforcement agencies were deployed at the scene to manage the situation.
The protesting students said that more than a month has passed since Sakibul was killed, but there has been no visible progress in the case. They vowed to continue their protest until the accused are arrested swiftly and exemplary punishment is ensured.
Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Ibne Mizan said: “We are trying to keep the situation under control.”
Sakibul Hasan Rana, a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) science student of Tejgaon College, was critically injured during a clash between two factions of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal over alleged drug consumption at the college hostel on the night of December 6. At least three students were injured in the incident. Sakibul died four days later while undergoing treatment.
Students had previously staged protests demanding justice for the killing and returned to the streets again on Wednesday to press their demands.
