Engineering students block Dhaka-Rajshahi highway

Students from various engineering departments blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway on Thursday as part of a nationwide protest programme demanding action on a three-point charter. The demonstration took place in front of the main gate of Rajshahi University around 12:30 PM and continued for approximately 30 minutes.

The protest, part of a centrally coordinated "complete shutdown" programme across engineering institutions, was initiated by students of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET). They were later joined by students from engineering departments of Rajshahi University.

During the blockade, traffic on both sides of the highway came to a standstill, causing significant congestion. Police later intervened, and the students lifted the blockade at around 1:00 PM, restoring normal traffic flow.

Protesting students said the movement was in response to the recent police crackdown on BUET students, which included alleged indiscriminate baton charges.

Officer-in-Charge of Rajshahi’s Motihar Police Station, Abdul Malek, confirmed the incident, stating that law enforcement acted promptly to normalize the situation, which is now under control.