Dhaka traffic gridlocked after polytechnic students block Sat Rasta

Students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute, along with peers from other government and private technical institutions, today (17 September) blocked the Sat Rasta intersection in Dhaka to press home their seven-point demand, halting traffic for several hours.

Later, around 3:30pm, they withdrew the blockade.

However, the protesting students are still present at the intersection. With the blockade lifted, traffic movement through Satrasta has resumed.

The blockade began around 10:30am at Sat Rasta and continued at Tejgaon. 

The blockade continued in Chandana intersection, Dhaka-Barishal Highway, and Sylhet's Chowhatta area. Office-goers and commuters were left stranded, with many forced to walk as vehicles stood still in long queues.

"The students of Polytechnic Institute started protesting at Satrastha around 11:30am under the banner of Technical Student Movement. They blocked the road with slogans, which halted traffic and caused severe congestion across the city. Office-goers are suffering because of this," said Sheikh Al Sabah, a commuter.

Tejgaon Traffic Division's Additional Deputy Commissioner Tania said students were demonstrating at Tejgaon intersection from 11:30am and were still occupying the road as of 1pm.

The demands include due recognition of technical education, equal opportunities for polytechnic graduates in the engineering profession, an end to discrimination in higher education and jobs, and government facilities for private polytechnic students.

Tejgaon Industrial Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Aslam Hossain said the students occupied Satrastha around 10:30am, reiterating the same demands raised in their previous protests. "Police are closely monitoring the situation to maintain law and order," he added.