Dhaka-Rajshahi highway blocked in protest against police attack on engineering students

RUET students have blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway in Shahbagh, the capital, to protest the police attack on Engineering University students. They began their protest by blocking the highway at around 4 pm on Wednesday (August 27). Many passenger vehicles were stranded on the road. Earlier, when Engineering University students set out towards Jamuna, the official residence of the Chief Adviser, to press for their three-point demands, the police stopped them. They engaged in a chase and counter-chase with the police in front of Hotel Intercontinental. During this, the police were seen dispersing the students by firing teargas shells and sound grenades. Several people were reported injured in the chase and counter-chase. The injured students have been taken to the hospital. The injured police personnel have also been taken to the hospital. Jamuna News correspondent from the scene said that at one stage of the Shahbagh blockade, the students set off towards Jamuna, the official residence of the chief advisor. When they reached the road in front of Hotel Intercontinental, the police stopped them. A chase and counter-chase ensued. At one stage, the police fired tear gas to bring the situation under control. Later, water cannons were used. This has spread tension throughout the area. Meanwhile, Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, advisor to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, has called on the protesters to return to class. He said that the process of forming a committee consisting of 4 advisors is underway to address the demands of BSC and diploma engineers. The committee will also have representatives from engineers.