Rabindra University Students Protest, Disrupt Dhaka-Northern Bangladesh Transport Links

Students of Rabindra University staged a protest in Sirajganj demanding the construction of a permanent campus, blocking the highway and causing a complete halt of traffic on the Dhaka-Pabna, Dhaka-Rajshahi, and Dhaka-Bogra main roads.

The demonstration began at 11 am on Sunday (10 August) when students obstructed the highway at Dhopakandi area in Sirajganj. This blockage has caused significant inconvenience for passengers and drivers alike.

Police Response and Traffic Management

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatikumrul Highway Police Station, Mohammad Abdur Rouf, stated, “We were aware of the protest in advance. The students began the blockade at 10:55 am. We are facilitating the movement of vehicles through the town as an alternative route.”

Background of the Protest

The students have been conducting continuous activities demanding approval of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the permanent campus construction. Since 26 July, they have been blocking the Dhaka-Pabna highway in front of the university, organising human chains and sit-in protests. Recently, the students issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the government to respond.

Due to no resolution within the stipulated time, they resorted to this highway blockade.

Students’ Grievances and University Status

The students allege that although the university was established nearly nine years ago, it still operates from rented buildings. Presently, academic activities run across five departments — Bangla, Sociology, Economics, Music, and Management — with a community comprising 1,200 students, 34 teachers, 54 officers, and 107 staff members.

Despite the university administration submitting a project proposal for the construction of a campus on its own land, approval has yet to be granted.

Proposed Campus Construction Plan

In 2025, a new proposal for constructing a permanent campus on 100 acres of land was submitted, with an estimated budget of BDT 51.915 billion (approximately 5.19 billion taka). This proposal is currently at the stage of a policy decision awaiting approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

Students’ Warning

The protesting students have warned that if the approval is not granted and effective steps are not taken promptly, they will intensify their movement further.

Summary Table: Rabindra University Protest Overview

The protest underscores the urgency among students for infrastructural development and governmental support to ensure the university’s growth and better academic environment.