What Prompted Mobile Phone Traders and Students to Protest in Dhaka?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On December 7, Dhaka witnessed a significant protest led by mobile phone traders and students, sparking traffic chaos in key areas. This demonstration highlights ongoing demands for regulatory reforms and educational autonomy. With increasing public unrest, the situation merits attention from authorities and citizens alike.
Key Takeaways
- Dhaka experienced significant traffic disruptions due to protests.
- Mobile phone traders demand reforms to the NEIR.
- Students seek educational autonomy and university ordinances.
- Protests reflect growing public unrest in Bangladesh.
- Violence occurred during a similar protest in Khulna.
Dhaka, Dec 7 (NationPress) A demonstration was organized on Sunday by mobile phone traders and students in Bangladesh, leading to significant traffic disruptions across various locations in the capital, including Science Laboratory, Shahbagh, Agargaon, and outside the Education Building, according to local media.
Mobile phone traders staged a sit-in in front of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) building located in Agargaon on Sunday, demanding reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) and addressing other critical issues. Protesters occupied one side of the main thoroughfare in front of the BTRC, while others blocked the opposite lane, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.
Simultaneously, students from various institutions such as Dhaka College, Shaheed Suhrawardy Government College, Government Bangla College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, and Begum Bodrunnesa Government Girls’ College gathered at Shahbagh intersection, obstructing the road for approximately an hour.
Additionally, undergraduate and postgraduate students from seven colleges marched towards Shikkha Bhaban, advocating for the issuance of a proposed university ordinance. Police set up barricades and closed the road leading to the Secretariat, which resulted in further traffic delays.
Students from Dhaka College and other institutions continued to advocate for the preservation of college autonomy through protests both on campus and in surrounding areas, contributing to ongoing traffic congestion.
In a related incident last month, members of the leftist Democratic Students' Alliance were injured during a protest in Khulna district, opposing nationwide attacks on shrines and Sufi sites while demanding the release of Baul singer Abul Sarkar. This altercation occurred on November 26 at Shibbari intersection when a counter-protest emerged, claiming 'insult to religion'.
Eyewitness accounts cited by the Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported that members of the Democratic Student Alliance faced physical assaults while attempting to protest with banners, which were subsequently seized and set ablaze. Kabir Hossain, officer-in-charge of the Sonadanga Model Police Station in Khulna, confirmed the attack on leftist students by what was described as 'students and the general public.'
Sajeeb Khan, general secretary of the district committee of the student union, stated, "We assembled in Shibbari around 3 PM. Although police were present, a coordinated attack occurred around 5 PM." He accused the opposing group, which identified themselves as 'students and the people', of being affiliated with the United People's Bangladesh (UPB) and Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student faction of the radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the rightful demands of both mobile phone traders and students. Their protests reflect a growing concern for regulatory changes and educational autonomy. While the disruptions are significant, they highlight an urgent need for dialogue and reform in Bangladesh.
NationPress
09/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the protests in Dhaka?
The protests were triggered by demands from mobile phone traders for reforms to the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) and students advocating for educational autonomy.
Which areas were affected by the protests?
Traffic was disrupted in several key areas of Dhaka, including Science Laboratory, Shahbagh, Agargaon, and outside the Education Building.
What were the students protesting for?
Students were protesting for the issuance of an ordinance for a proposed university and the preservation of college autonomy.
What happened during the protests in Khulna last month?
Members of the Democratic Students' Alliance were injured during a protest against attacks on shrines, leading to a counter-protest that escalated into violence.
Who is Sajeeb Khan?
Sajeeb Khan is the general secretary of the district committee of the student union who spoke about the protests and alleged a coordinated attack on protesters.
