DE News Desk :
A student-led long march organized by Jagannath University (JnU) was forcefully intercepted by police in Dhaka on Wednesday, as demonstrators attempted to reach the Chief Adviser’s official residence to press for key academic and infrastructural demands.
Hundreds of students began their march from the JnU campus around 12:30 pm, marching through Tatibazar, Gulistan, Zero Point, and Matshya Bhaban.
The protest was aimed at securing housing scholarships, full approval of the university’s proposed budget, and the establishment of a second campus.
As the demonstrators approached Kakrail Mosque, police intercepted the procession by erecting barricades.
Tensions escalated when students attempted to push through the blockade, prompting police to disperse them using baton charges, tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos during the confrontation.
The protesters, undeterred, regrouped at Matshya Bhaban before marching toward Shahbagh in an effort to continue their demonstration peacefully.
At least 11 individuals, including university faculty members, were injured during the clashes.
Among them, a teacher identified as Nasir Uddin was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The protesting students reiterated their three-point demand: allocation of at least 70 housing scholarships from the upcoming 2025–26 fiscal year until permanent dormitories are built; full approval of the university’s proposed budget without any reductions; and prioritization of a second JnU campus at the next Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting.
University representatives and student leaders have called for an immediate dialogue with relevant authorities to address their concerns, stressing that continued neglect of these issues is harming the academic environment and student welfare.
As of Wednesday evening, the situation in Shahbagh remained tense but under control, with a noticeable police presence across key intersections.