Technical students blocked the Seven Roads intersection (Satrasta Mor) in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to address their demands. The demonstration, which lasted nearly three hours, concluded at 3:10 pm, after which traffic gradually returned to normal.
The students are protesting a government recommendation to allow both Diploma and BSc engineers to be appointed to the post of Assistant Sub-Engineer (Grade 10). They argue that if this recommendation is implemented, it would limit employment opportunities for purely technical graduates.
The blockade caused severe traffic congestion in and around the Seven Roads intersection, affecting commuters and vehicle operators alike. Tania Sultana, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of the Tejgaon Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, told Prothom Alo, “The impact of the blockade extended to surrounding roads, significantly disrupting traffic flow.”
Ashraful Islam Mishan, the central representative of the Technical Student Movement of Bangladesh, announced the end of the blockade at around 3 pm. He stated, “The government has 24 hours to meet our demands. Should they fail, students from across the country will converge on Dhaka, and more rigorous protests will follow. Since tomorrow is the public holiday of Shab-e-Barat, no demonstrations are planned, but new actions will be initiated once the deadline expires.”
The table below summarises the blockade and its immediate consequences:
| Subject | Time / Details | Impact / Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of Blockade | 12:00 pm – 3:10 pm | Nearly 3 hours |
| Location | Seven Roads, Tejgaon | Severe traffic congestion on main and nearby roads |
| Students’ Demand | Cancel recommendation for Diploma & BSc appointments | Protect employment opportunities for technical graduates |
| Police Response | ADC Tania Sultana | Blockade caused traffic disruption in surrounding areas |
| Future Action | 24-hour ultimatum deadline | Preparation for nationwide intensified protests |
Students emphasised that no protest will take place tomorrow due to the holiday, but warned that if their demands are unmet, fresh actions will be launched, including blockades and demonstrations on major roads in Dhaka and other key cities.
Experts observing the movement suggest that constructive dialogue between the government and the students remains the most effective solution. They argue that ensuring fair employment policies while recognising technical qualifications is crucial to prevent further unrest.