Students block road, rail seeking univ status for Titumir College

Protesting students of Titumir College have once again taken to the streets, this time blocking both road and rail traffic in Mohakhali to press their demand for the college to be upgraded to a university.  

The protest began around 11:00am on Monday (November 17), as students occupied the Mohakhali level crossing under the overpass, halting rail operations and creating a standstill on adjacent roads. 

Law enforcement, including police equipped with armored personnel carriers (APCs) and water cannons, has been deployed to the area to maintain order.  

Demands and actions 

The protesters have declared that the blockade will remain in place until a representative from the Ministry of Education arrives at the site to address their demands. They have insisted that ministry officials meet them in Mohakhali to engage in dialogue.  

Witnesses reported that the students attempted to stop the Dhaka-bound intercity train, Upakul Express, from Noakhali at the Mohakhali crossing. When the train slowed but did not stop, protesters reportedly hurled bricks and stones, damaging some of the train's windows. The train eventually moved past the blockade.  

Chanting slogans in unison, the students reiterated their call for the government to convert Titumir College into a university and establish a Titumir University Commission.  

Traffic chaos in Mohakhali 

The blockade has severely disrupted traffic between Banani, Jahangir Gate, and Farmgate. Long queues of vehicles have formed on both sides of the affected roads, causing frustration among commuters and highlighting the urgency of resolving the stalemate.  

Ongoing protests 

This is not the first time students of Titumir College have taken to the streets. Over the past few months, they have staged several demonstrations with the same demand.  

On October 24, a similar protest saw students gathering on the college campus before marching to Amtoli in Mohakhali, where they blocked roads, causing significant traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, including Banani, Gulshan, and Mohakhali.  

A call for resolution 

The students are determined to continue their movement until their demand for university status is met. Their call for the formation of a Titumir University Commission underscores their vision for academic expansion and institutional recognition.  

As the impasse continues, it remains to be seen whether authorities will engage with the protesters to resolve the issue or if further disruptions will unfold in the days to come.