Kakrail faces 30-hour blockade, severe traffic disruptions

Jagannath University students have blocked the Kakrail Mosque intersection for 30 hours starting from 1:00 pm on Wednesday to till filing of this report on Thursday to press home their four-point demand. 

The ongoing protest has caused severe traffic congestion in surrounding areas.

The students, stationed from Kakrail Mosque towards Jamuna, have vowed to continue the blockade programme until their demands are met. 

The blockade has led to the closure of roads from Matsya Bhaban to Kakrail intersection and Minto Road, forcing vehicles onto alternative routes. 

Consequently, severe traffic jams have gripped Matsya Bhaban, Shahbagh, Paltan, Gulistan, and Kakrail areas in the capital city of Dhaka.

Meanwhile, intermittent rain in the afternoon has worsened the congestion, adding to public sufferings. 

However, students are allowing emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, press transports to pass quickly, with volunteer teams facilitating this process.

Jasmine Ara, stuck in the jam, uttered anger as saying, “I’ve been at Kakrail for two hours. My car hasn’t moved, and I need to reach the hospital where my brother is admitted.” 

Similarly, student Jannatul Naim, who lost two hours in traffic congestion, said, “My friend was in an accident and is at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. After being stuck, I’m now walking.”

Professor Dr Rais Uddin, General Secretary of Jagannath University Teachers’ Association, declared an indefinite shutdown of the university until the demands are fulfilled.

“We will not return to campus until our demands are met,” he warned.

The students’ demands include housing scholarships for 70 percent of students starting from 2025-26 academic session, approval of JnU’s full budget without cuts, implementation of the second campus project in the upcoming ECNEC meeting, and a thorough investigation into the May 14 police attack on protesting students with strict punishment for those involved.

A long march toward the chief adviser’s residence began at 11:00am on Wednesday and met police resistance near Kakrail Mosque intersection around 12:30pm. 

Over 100 people, including students, teachers, and journalists, were injured as police used tear gas, hot water, sound grenades, and baton charges to disperse the demonstrating students.