Farmgate blockade over Sakibul killing, traffic halted

Students blocked the Farmgate intersection in the capital on Sunday, demanding justice for the killing of Tejgaon College student Sakibul Hasan Rana and the immediate arrest of those responsible. Vehicular movement in the area came to a complete standstill.

After 10:15am on Sunday, general students of Tejgaon College took position at the Farmgate crossing. They were heard chanting slogans such as “We have only one demand, Sakibul Hasan Rana”, “My brother is in the grave, why are the killers free?” and “We want justice for Sakib’s murder”. The blockade caused severe traffic congestion in Farmgate and surrounding areas.

The students said that despite a long time passing since the killing of Sakibul Hasan Rana, the main accused have not been arrested. Protesting what they described as administrative delay, they announced the Farmgate blockade programme.

They alleged that even though the suspects were identified after the incident, police initially sought 48 hours. Another 48 hours passed, yet the main accused were not arrested. According to them, political pressure is preventing effective action.

A student named Farhan Ahmed said it was a clear case of murder, yet attempts were being made to suppress it. He said they were deeply concerned as the accused remained at large, which is why they were forced to announce a blockade, protest march and rally.

He added that CCTV footage clearly identified the accused, but no arrests had been made. The students want to speak to the college principal and demand that a case be filed naming the accused. If their demands are not met, they warned of tougher programmes.

Meanwhile, additional police have been deployed in front of Tejgaon College following the announcement of protests over Sakibul Hasan Rana’s death. Law enforcement personnel are stationed at the main gate of the college, the Farmgate-bound road and nearby areas.

Sakibul Hasan Rana was critically injured on December 6 night during a clash between two groups of Chhatra Dal over alleged drug use at the Tejgaon College dormitory. At least three students were injured in the incident. Sakibul, an HSC science student, was admitted to the ICU and died at 12:30pm on December 10 after four days of treatment.