Dhaka gridlocked as teachers, students, jobseekers stage protests

Dhaka city-dwellers endured a day of immense suffering on Sunday as a series of demonstrations by teachers, students, and jobseekers brought traffic in the capital to a near standstill.

From morning until evening, commuters were trapped in long tailbacks, with gridlocks reported across Topkhana Road, Shahbagh, High Court, Paltan, and adjoining areas.

Office-goers, patients, and students were among the most affected, with many abandoning vehicles to reach their destinations on foot under the scorching sun.

The chaos was triggered by multiple simultaneous rallies and sit-ins organised by different groups pressing for their respective demands.

Thousands of teachers and employees from MPO-listed educational institutions staged a sit-in in front of the National Press Club, demanding the government issue a gazette notification to implement previously announced benefits, including a 20-percent increase in house rent and other allowances.

"We have been waiting for months for the government to fulfil its commitment. The rising cost of living has made survival difficult, and we need the gazette immediately," said one protesting teacher.

At the same time, hundreds of candidates who passed the 18th NTRCA exams gathered at Shahbagh, demanding a special recruitment circular to fill vacant posts. They alleged that despite passing the exams, they were being deprived of employment opportunities.

The NTRCA protesters occupied the Shahbagh intersection, prompting police to deploy additional personnel to maintain order and regulate traffic. The demonstrators were later moved in front of the National Museum, where they continued their protest throughout the afternoon.

Dhaka College students blocked the Science Lab intersection to oppose the government's plan to establish "Dhaka Central University" on their campus.

"We have no objection to forming the university, but it should be established elsewhere," said Feroze Alam, a protesting student. "Our campus is already overcrowded and lacks sufficient facilities."

The blockade disrupted traffic along Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, and New Market for nearly an hour before police cleared the road.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of DMP's Dhanmondi Zone, Jishanul Haque, confirmed the students lifted the blockade after discussions with law enforcement officials.

Traffic Inspector of DMP's Shahbagh Zone, Tariqul Alam Suman, said, "Due to the teachers' protest at the Press Club area, traffic was slightly more congested than usual in Paltan, Press Club, and Shahbagh areas."

Commuters described the day as one of the worst traffic days in recent months.

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