Why Are Students Blocking the Dhaka-Barishal Highway for Four Days?
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Synopsis
In an ongoing protest, students have blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway for four days, demanding essential reforms in the healthcare sector. This rising tension highlights the urgent need for systemic change as they fight against syndication that hampers medical services. Will their actions lead to the change they seek? Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this escalating situation.
Key Takeaways
- Students are protesting for healthcare reforms.
- Blockades have disrupted traffic for four days.
- Clashes occurred between students and law enforcement.
- Negotiations are ongoing to resolve the situation.
- Public support for student demands is crucial.
Dhaka, Aug 10 (NationPress) Traffic on the Dhaka-Barishal highway has been significantly impeded for the fourth day in a row, as students persist in blocking the road to advocate for their three primary demands, which include the termination of syndication within the healthcare sector, according to reports from various media outlets.
Traffic flow between Barishal and six southern districts was halted after students erected barricades at Nathullabad Bus Terminal around 11:30 a.m. (Bangladesh time). The demonstrators chanted slogans supporting their causes, as reported by United News of Bangladesh.
Violence broke out when law enforcement attempted to dismantle the blockade, resulting in clashes with the students. Vehicles were left stranded on both sides of the highway, leading to considerable inconvenience for travelers.
Mizanur Rahman, the officer-in-charge at Kotwali Model Police Station, stated that negotiations were underway to address the situation. The protesting students have been voicing their concerns for the past 15 days regarding ‘irregularities’ and ‘mismanagement’ in Bangladesh's healthcare system.
Traffic disruptions continued on Saturday as students blocked the highway for the third consecutive day, persisting in their demands.
The students arrived at the highway at Nathullabad Bus Terminal at 11:30 a.m. (local time), effectively halting traffic movement between Barishal and six southern regions of Bangladesh.
In response, several law enforcement personnel were deployed to the area. Due to the blockade, vehicles remained stranded on the highway. Mizanur Rahman mentioned that police are working towards an immediate resolution. On Friday, the protesters had previously blocked the highway for 7.5 hours to voice their demands.
Earlier, on Thursday, student Mohiuddin Rony expressed, “People are unable to receive proper treatment due to syndicates in government hospitals. These syndicates in the health sector must be dismantled. After ten days of protests, we have been compelled to block the highway today,” as reported by United News of Bangladesh. Another student, Riazul Alam, stated that they would not leave until meaningful reforms in the healthcare sector are achieved.
Point of View
I stand with the nation, recognizing the students' plight and their right to protest. The healthcare system's deficiencies must be addressed urgently to prevent further unrest. Their demands reflect a broader concern that resonates with many citizens. It is crucial for authorities to engage in dialogue and find resolutions that uphold the integrity of healthcare services.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the students?
The students are demanding an end to syndication in the healthcare sector, improved treatment facilities, and accountability for mismanagement.
How long have the protests been ongoing?
The protests have been ongoing for 15 days, with the highway blockade lasting four consecutive days.
What actions have law enforcement taken?
Law enforcement has attempted to remove the blockades, which resulted in clashes with the students.
Where is the main location of the protests?
The main location of the protests is at Nathullabad Bus Terminal on the Dhaka-Barishal highway.
What impact has the blockade had on traffic?
The blockade has led to significant traffic disruptions, leaving vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway.
