Engineering students from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and several other universities have staged a roadblock at Shahbagh as part of their pre-announced ‘Long March to Dhaka’ protest programme.
The blockade, which began early on Wednesday (August 27), has led to the closure of all roads surrounding Shahbagh and nearby areas, causing severe traffic disruption.
The students, who started their protest around 11 am, are demanding the fulfillment of three key issues. These include the denial of the title ‘Engineer’ for diploma engineers, the prevention of promotion of diploma engineers to the 9th grade, and providing graduate engineers with opportunities to enter the 10th-grade jobs.
The protest is the second day of a larger movement. On Tuesday, the engineering students blocked Shahbagh for nearly five hours, and on Wednesday, students from other general universities joined them in solidarity. The students emphasized that the blockade is only the beginning, warning of stronger actions if their demands are not met. They have made it clear that they will not vacate the streets until their demands are addressed.
The ongoing blockade has resulted in massive traffic congestion in the surrounding areas. Commuters are facing significant delays, with no alternative but to walk through the area. The gridlock has severely impacted the flow of daily traffic, adding to the public’s frustrations.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Masud Alam confirmed that the blockade had caused substantial traffic issues. Police have advised commuters to use alternative routes such as Katabon, Matsyabhaban, and Intercontinental hotel intersections to avoid the affected areas.