Protests disrupt traffic, worsen commuter suffering in Gulistan, Shahbagh areas

Traffic in the capital came to a halt, forcing many to walk long distances or change routes to reach their destinations

Different parts of the capital, including Gulistan, Paltan, Shahbagh and Kakrail, experienced severe traffic congestions yesterday as students from Jagannath University and various nursing institutes staged separate protest marches.

In the afternoon, several hundred nursing students blocked Shahbagh intersection, one of Dhaka's key points, triggering severe traffic congestions and causing immense suffering to commuters.

Vehicular movement came to a halt, forcing many to walk long distances or change routes to reach their destinations.

Besides, Jagannath University (JnU) students clashed with police near Kakrail as they attempted to march towards the chief adviser's official residence, Jamuna, to press home their three-point demand.

Witnesses said the students began their "Long March" from the campus around 12:30pm, passing through Tatibazar, Gulistan, Zero Point and Matsya Bhaban intersections.

Police intercepted them near the Kakrail Mosque, leading to a scuffle.

As the students tried to break through the barricade, police charged batons and fired sound grenades, teargas shells and used water cannons to disperse them that left several students injured.

Deputy Commissioner of Traffic (Ramna Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Shafiqul Islam said, "Due to the demonstrations by students, traffic congestion began intensifying after 1:00pm and reached a critical level over the next four hours."

The situation worsened further during the afternoon rush hours, causing immense suffering to thousands of homebound people.

City dwellers expressed frustration over the lack of advance information and alternative routes, urging authorities to take better measures to manage such disruptions in the future.