Students Block Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Gazipura after Classmate Injured, Demand Footbridge

Classmates of a student of Ta'mirul Millat Kamil Madrasa have blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in the Gazipura area of Gazipur city in protest after the student was injured in a road accident.

During the blockade at noon on Thursday (29 October), the students demanded the quick construction of a footbridge.

The blockade disrupted traffic on both sides of the highway. Long queues of vehicles formed, causing suffering for passengers and transport drivers.

The students said people, including madrasa students, have to cross the busy highway every day in the Gazipura area. With no adequate safe crossing there, the risk of accidents is growing.

They said the demand for a footbridge is longstanding, but anger grew because no effective step was taken, and the recent injury of a student intensified that anger.

The blockade disrupted movement for people heading to work, long-distance passengers and local residents, including those travelling for urgent needs.

The protesting students said it will be difficult to ensure students' safety unless a quick, permanent solution is found.

SM Shafiqul Islam, deputy commissioner (crime) of the southern division of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, said efforts are under way to resolve the problem. Initiatives have been taken to discuss the students' demands and anger with them, and police are working to normalise the situation, he said.