Students of United International University (UIU) on Saturday (June 21) staged a protest in the capital's Notun Bazar area, blocking a major road and causing severe disruption to traffic and public movement.

The demonstration, reportedly over a series of demands, began around noon and led to a complete shutdown of the road in front of Bhatara Police Station. 

The blockade brought traffic to a standstill on the busy route connecting Rampura and Kuril Bishwa Road, forcing commuters to abandon vehicles and walk long distances in sweltering heat.

“I’m stuck here with my wife and children. We were heading to an important family function, but now I’ve no choice but to turn back,” said Anik Hawlader, a frustrated commuter speaking to Banglanews.

Another passenger, Syed Mohammad Faisal, who was heading to Motijheel, said, “The road is completely blocked. I’ve had to walk in this heat. We don’t even know what the protest is about — but the public is suffering.”

According to on-site witnesses, a large number of students gathered in front of the police station, chanting slogans and refusing to disperse. 

Police cordoned off the area, but were unable to restore traffic flow as the demonstrators remained defiant.

“We are trying to bring the situation under control,” said Bhatara Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Rakibul Hasan. 

“We initially persuaded the students to clear the road, but they returned and resumed the blockade. The road from Kuril to Rampura remains closed, and additional police have been deployed,” he added.

The students alleged that they were attacked by police during their peaceful protest. “Police used force on us to benefit a particular group,” one of the demonstrators claimed. “We will not call off our protest until all our demands are met.”

Authorities have not officially confirmed the specific demands being raised by the students.

SMS/