Hundreds of nursing students brought Shahbagh intersection to a standstill this afternoon, creating massive traffic gridlock and public inconvenience during their protest demanding degree recognition.
The demonstrators first assembled at Shaheed Minar before marching toward Shahbagh at around 1:30pm to push for upgrading their diplomas to bachelor’s degrees.
Witnesses reported that police attempted to halt the procession near Shahbagh Police Station, but protesters breached the barricades and occupied key parts of the intersection. The blockade paralysed all vehicular movement, compelling commuters to disembark from stranded buses and continue on foot.
Shahbagh Police Station OC Khalid Monsur said that they were working with authorities to clear the area peacefully.
The protest caused significant disruption to one of Dhaka’s busiest commercial and hospital zones, with ambulances reportedly facing difficulties navigating the area.