Dhaka Gridlock Fears as Students Set Ultimatum for Minister

Protesting students have temporarily cleared Dhaka’s vital Shahbagh intersection after a ninety-minute blockade, pausing a day of intense demonstrations. However, the respite may be short-lived. The student coalition has issued a strict ultimatum, demanding the immediate resignation of the Education Minister, A. N. M. Ehsanul Hoque Milan, by 10:00 pm tonight.

The blockade, which commenced at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, brought central Dhaka to a near-total standstill before the demonstrators agreed to disperse at approximately 7:30 pm.

Balancing Public Disruption and Resolute Demands

Rahat Ahmed, a student representative from Dhanmondi Ideal College, spoke to members of the press to clarify why the blockade was lifted. He emphasized that the organizers were keenly aware of the severe disruption and distress caused to ordinary citizens trapped in peak-hour traffic at one of the capital’s busiest hubs.

Despite their decision to retreat for the evening, the students remain uncompromising on their core, single-point demand. They insist that the Education Minister must vacate his office. If the minister fails to step down by the 10:00 pm deadline, the students plan to launch a “Long March to the Secretariat” from the Science Laboratory intersection at 10:00 am on Thursday.

A Day of Escalating Street Demonstrations

Wednesday’s actions unfolded systematically across the capital, marking a significant escalation in student-led pressure.

• 2:30 pm | Initial Gathering: A large cohort of students assembled at the Science Laboratory intersection, blocking key roads and halting vehicular movement.

• 3:00 pm | The March Begins: Protesters initiated their “Long March to the Ministry of Education,” moving on foot towards the Secretariat.

• 4:00 pm | Police Confrontation: The procession was halted by heavy police barricades erected near the Shikhsha Bhaban (Education Building) by the High Court.

• 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Sit-in Protest: Prevented from advancing, the students staged a ninety-minute sit-in, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding the minister’s removal.

• 6:00 pm | Shahbagh Blockade: Protesters relocated to the Shahbagh crossing, initiating their final, high-impact blockade of the day.

Heightened Security Ahead of the Deadline

With the 10:00 pm deadline looming, the government has deployed additional law enforcement units, including riot police, around the Secretariat and the Ministry of Education to prevent any security breaches.

Commuters and local business owners are preparing for further disruption. If the Education Minister does not resign, Thursday morning’s planned march from Science Lab is expected to trigger widespread traffic gridlock and heightened tensions across Dhaka.