Students across the country have been observing 'Bangla Blockade' by blocking national highways and Dhaka’s important intersections for mounting pressure on the government to accept their demand for reforming quota system.
As part of their pre-announced ‘Bangla Blockade’, students of Dhaka College and other nearby educational institutions took position at 'Science Lab' intersection, one of the busiest areas, around 2 pm on Sunday, disrupting traffic.
The students of Dhaka University from different halls gathered in front of the central library, paraded the campus and then marched to Shahbag intersection to observe the road blockade progamme in the afternoon.
A group of protesters from Shahbagh marched towards Poribagh intersection near Hotel Intercontinental and another group to Banglamotor intersection, halting traffic and causing huge gridlock on major roads.
Besides, the students of Eden College marched from Nilkhet to Azimpur road. The students from different dormitories staged demonstration on Chankharpul road and the ramp of Mayor Hanif flyover.
Thousands of students from Dhaka University, Dhaka College, Eden College and other nearby colleges joined the protest programme spontaneously.
However, members of law enforcement agencies were seen prepared with water tanks in different parts of city to tackle any untoward situation.
Some of the students were also seen suggesting others how to of handle situation if tear gases are lobbed. The protesters were asked by the leaders to remain prepared to face any situation.
Amid the severe traffic jams around the city, Metro Rail service brought a little bit comfort for its passengers.
Visiting Shahbag metro station and Kawran Bazar metro rail station, it was seen long queues of passengers buying tickets.
Rezaul Karim, a passenger who reached Shahbagh station from Motijheel, said,” I have a patient admitted at the PG hospital. It has been possible to reach Shahbagh in short time amid the traffic chaos due to the metro rail service.”
PM Hasina dismisses anti-quota protest as irrational, calls it sub-judice