Road blockades at Shahbagh, Kakrail cause severe traffic gridlock in Dhaka
Protests by nursing students and Jagannath University students brought major parts of the capital to a standstill on Wednesday, causing severe traffic congestion across the city.
Nursing students blocked the Shahbagh intersection demanding recognition of their diplomas as equivalent to degrees, while JUB students staged a 'Long March to Jamuna' from Kakrail, calling for a three-point charter of demands, including a 70% housing allowance.
The blockades at two of the capital's busiest intersections—Shahbagh and Kakrail—began shortly after 2:00 PM and continued for hours, causing massive traffic jams that spread to Matsya Bhaban, Gulistan, Paltan, Science Lab, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Naya Paltan, Bijoynagar and surrounding areas. The situation worsened further after rainfall in the afternoon.
Long queues of public and private vehicles were seen stuck for hours. Many commuters, unable to move forward, opted to walk. Office-goers suffered the most, with the evening rush hour turning into a nightmare.
Imrul Kayes Mia, a bus assistant, said, “I’ve been stuck at the High Court intersection for 40 minutes. Nothing is moving.”
Hamidul Islam, a motorcycle rider, echoed the frustration: “It took me 45 minutes to reach Matsya Bhaban from Motijheel—it usually takes under 15.”
Shamim Islam, a CNG driver, expressed anger, saying, “These protests are happening almost every day. It’s killing our income. The police must keep the roads clear.”
Speaking to Jago News, Md. Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Commissioner of Traffic (Ramna Division), said, “Traffic movement at Shahbagh and Kakrail has been blocked for over three hours. We are trying to negotiate with the protesting students, but they are refusing to leave. Police presence has been increased.”
Earlier in the day, JUB students were intercepted by police at Kakrail Mosque crossing while marching towards the Chief Advisor’s residence. When protesters attempted to breach the police barricade, law enforcers reportedly used batons, tear gas, and sound grenades, injuring at least 50 people, including students, teachers, and journalists.
Of them, 37 injured students were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s emergency department. Among the injured were Professor Dr. Md. Raish Uddin, General Secretary of the University Teachers’ Association; Mahatab Hossain Limon, General Secretary of the Journalists’ Association; and reporters from Dhaka Tribune and Daily Sangbad.
“We will stay here until the police attack is addressed and our demands are met,” said Prof. Raish Uddin.
Meanwhile, Ramna Zone DC Masudul Alam stated that 20 police personnel were also injured in the clash. “No one is allowed near the Jamuna residence or permitted to hold rallies there,” he said.
Protesters, however, pointed to a recent demonstration held in front of the same location demanding a ban on the Awami League, during which law enforcement allegedly did not intervene and even facilitated the event with cold water sprays to ease the summer heat.
At Shahbagh, protesting nursing students warned that they would announce tougher programs if their demands were not met by the end of the day. They had been staging a peaceful protest at the Central Shaheed Minar since morning.