Dhaka, Aug 13 (NationPress) Eight trains, including one transporting oil, were stranded after students obstructed railway tracks on the route from Dhaka to northern districts on Wednesday, advocating for the approval and full implementation of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the permanent campus of Rabindra University.

The protest commenced at Ullapara Railway Station in Sirajganj at 9 am (local time). The blockade left eight trains, including one carrying oil, stuck on either side. A previous demonstration and a highway blockade occurred on Sunday at Hatikumrul Golchattar, where students demanded expedited approval of the DPP for the permanent campus, as reported by Bangladesh’s leading daily, Dhaka Tribune.

During that protest, demonstrators gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum for a response. With no reply received, the railway blockade was initiated at Ullapara Station on Wednesday.

Protesting students expressed their dismay that the campus of the public university has yet to be constructed even after eight years. They highlighted that students, faculty, and staff have been enduring significant challenges in performing academic activities. They vowed not to vacate the area until the campus construction is fully realized.

Bangladesh's Western Railway General Manager Farid Ahmed mentioned that rail communication between Dhaka and the western region has been disrupted due to the blockade. The stranded trains included Silk City, Chilahati, Rangpur, Ekota, Dhumketu, along with an oil-carrying carriage at Chatmohor, Kurigram, and Chitra Express. He noted that the situation had not escalated to a level of schedule disruption.

Earlier on Monday, students also blocked the Dhaka–Pabna highway to facilitate a freshman welcoming ceremony, part of their protests demanding DPP approval. The ceremony was intended for the temporary campus auditorium, but limited seating forced students to welcome newcomers on the highway in protest.

Despite being established nine years ago, the DPP for Rabindra University’s permanent campus has yet to receive approval. Students have consistently protested the delays regarding the construction proposal, according to reports.

Previously, students had blocked highways during consecutive protests from January 19-30, leading to government assurances that temporarily halted protests. However, as the DPP remains unapproved, students resumed protests by boycotting the Rabindra University Day event on July 26.