Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra Dal withdrew from Shahbagh intersection on Sunday evening following a two-hour road blockade protesting alleged negligence in the investigation of Dhaka University student Shahriar Alam Shammo’s murder. The student wing warned of stricter actions if their demands remain unmet.
The protest began around 3:45pm when Chhatra Dal activists barricaded Shahbagh intersection. Shahbagh Police Station OC (in-charge) Khalid Mansur confirmed the demonstrators vacated the area by 5:30pm.
Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam formally concluded the program at 5:25pm, after which activists marched away from Shahbagh, allowing vehicular movement to resume. The blockade had caused severe traffic congestion across the capital, particularly inconveniencing office-goers during evening rush hours.
During the protest, demonstrators chanted slogans demanding punishment for Shammo’s killers. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam and General Secretary Nasir Uddin addressed the gathering, calling for the resignation of DU’s vice-chancellor and proctor. They threatened escalated agitation if authorities fail to arrest the perpetrators and meet other demands.
Earlier at 11:00am, agitated activists gathered at Raju Memorial Sculpture with banners before marching through campus and laying siege to Shahbagh Police Station. Protesters accused university administration of failing to ensure campus safety, stating: “The university cannot evade responsibility for Sami’s murder. Immediate measures are needed to secure the campus.”
DU VC Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan visited the protest site in solidarity. He disclosed meeting with the DMP commissioner on Saturday regarding investigation progress and scheduled talks with the home adviser.
The VC confirmed three arrests with remand starting Sunday and formation of an independent probe committee by university authorities.