The Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Cucsu) has placed a six-point demand, including the introduction of at least 10 double-decker BRTC buses, to resolve the long-standing transportation crisis faced by students.
The demands were formally presented during a press conference held in front of the Cucsu building at 1pm on Sunday.
Communication and Housing Affairs Secretary Md Ishak Bhuiyan read the written statement at the event.
He highlighted that the transportation system is the most significant area of suffering for university students.
The secretary noted that since the Cucsu elections, the union has been in continuous discussions and activities with the university administration, railway authorities, and relevant stakeholders to mitigate this crisis.
Ishak said despite assurances to allocate nine return buses from the city for students following Cucsu’s demands, only three have been launched so far due to administrative complexities.
He added that although decisions regarding the formulation of policies and a management committee meeting for four additional buses have been made, they are still awaiting implementation.
Ishak mentioned that while six new e-cars were introduced through Cucsu’s initiative, there has been no visible progress despite further demands to increase the fleet. Cucsu has also held multiple rounds of discussions with railway authorities regarding a 13-point demand for the reform of shuttle train services.
Regarding shuttle reforms, Ishak informed that some work has already been completed, including the addition of a power car to one train and repairs to lights and fans.
Following a recent coordination meeting between the “Shuttle Reform Movement-2026,” the railway authorities, the university administration, and CSU, several decisions were reached.
These include replacing all carriages of one train with 10 new bogies after Eid-ul-Azha, installing CCTV cameras at stations, strengthening security, and prioritising the shuttle service.
As the addition of new trains is a long-term process, Ishak emphasised that expanding bus services is a pressing necessity. Meetings have been held with the BRTC, which has responded positively to the introduction of a dedicated bus service for students.
The Cucsu secretary also reiterated demands to close technical halts and launch the Oxygen stoppage. Other initiatives mentioned include the launch of a shuttle tracker app, a new registration system to regulate rickshaws and CNGs, and the introduction of JoBike and electric scooter services to facilitate easier in-campus movement.
The six-point demands placed by Cucsu are:
1. Introduction of at least 10 double-decker BRTC buses.
2. Addition of 10 more new e-cars.
3. Allocation of a sufficient budget for the shuttle tracker app.
4. Launching return buses within the current week.
5. Closing technical halts and starting the Oxygen stoppage.
6. Ensuring the appointment of adequate security personnel for all shuttle schedules.
The press conference was attended by Cucsu Culture and Publication Secretary Harezul Islam, Career Development and International Affairs Secretary Mehedi Hasan Sohan, Assistant Communication and Housing Affairs Secretary Obaidul Salman, and Salman Farsi Sakib, along with representatives from various hall unions.
