Students of Feni University staged a blockade on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway on Thursday, bringing traffic to a halt in both directions and causing a long tailback.
The demonstration began at around 12:30pm when hundreds of students occupied the northern section of the Mohipal flyover. They marched from Hazari Road before blocking the highway, demanding the construction of a permanent campus, introduction of a university bus service, a ban on student politics, and the restructuring of the Board of Trustees.
Chanting slogans such as “We reject a spineless administration”, “No more rented campus, permanent campus now”, and “Today’s struggle is tomorrow’s right”, the protesters vowed to continue until their demands are met.
The agitation came a day after Vice Chancellor Professor Dr M Jamal Uddin Ahmed resigned under student pressure on Wednesday night. Since 18 August, the students have enforced an indefinite shutdown to press their demands.
Police were deployed in large numbers around Hazari Road and the highway. Witnesses said protesters managed to break through police barricades before taking control of the flyover section.
This is not the first time Feni University students have taken to the streets. On 13 August last year, they placed a 15-point demand for the university’s development. Although authorities assured action, no progress was made. Students later boycotted classes and exams on 21 October and staged sit-ins again on 18 February this year.