Titumir college students block Gulshan-1 intersection

Students of Government Titumir College resumed their protest and staged a blockade at Gulshan-1 intersection in Dhaka on Saturday evening, demanding the institution be upgraded to a university along with six other demands. 

The protest began at approximately 7:00 PM, leading to a complete halt in traffic on both sides of Bir Uttam AK Khandaker Road, which connects Mohakhali to Gulshan-1. As a result, commuters faced severe inconveniences.

This marks the third consecutive day of road blockades, significantly exacerbating traffic congestion in key areas, including Gulshan, Badda, Mohakhali, and Tejgaon. Office-goers, in particular, suffered long delays due to the gridlock.

Earlier in the day, as part of their indefinite 'Barasat Barricade to North City' program, the students marched from their campus to Mohakhali, where they briefly blocked the road before returning to the college. Later, at around 6:15 PM, they proceeded towards the Gulshan-1 roundabout to continue their demonstration.

One of the protestors, Zahid Rana, stated, "We have been demonstrating to demand official recognition of 'Titumir University' along with six other demands. Our fellow students are even on hunger strike, yet the authorities remain indifferent. Therefore, we have taken to the streets as per our pre-announced program."

When asked about the duration of their blockade, he added, "We will continue our movement until relevant authorities address our concerns."

During the protest, students were heard chanting slogans such as "Action to Action, Direct Action," "We Want Justice," "No Compromise, Only Struggle," "Titumir is Rising, Roads are Shaking," "Education is Not for Business," and "Principal�s Syndicate, We Will Not Accept."

In response, a heavy police presence, including water cannons, was observed in the Mohakhali Amtoli area to handle any untoward incidents. However, law enforcement officials have yet to make any official statements regarding the situation.