Dhaka jammed as demands pile up

Dhaka city has been experiencing severe traffic congestion as various professional associations staged demonstrations at multiple locations, including key points such as in front of the Secretariat, Press Club, Shikkha Bhaban, and in Agargaon.

Today, members of the Gram Police blocked a lane on Abdul Goni Road in front of the Secretariat, demanding the nationalisation of their jobs. Various government professional associations also held human chains to press for demands relating to their jobs.

These associations included officials from the BCS Fisheries Cadre, the Welfare Forum for National Agricultural Technology Programme (NATP-2) Extension Officers (Fisheries), Bangladesh Family Planning Voluntary (Women) Implementation Council, National Women's Organisation, and the Multi-Sectoral Programme for Women's Protection under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

In front of the Secretariat, over a hundred victims of visa fraud protested, alleging that Shadow International Ltd defrauded them of Tk2,000 crore by promising visas to European countries. They demanded justice and action against those responsible.

In front of the Shikkha Bhaban, around 1,190 employees from the Secondary Education Sector Investment Programme (SESIP) protested for the transfer of their jobs to the revenue sector.

In Agargaon, employees of Bangladesh Betar demonstrated in front of the main gate, calling for the end of discriminatory practices and fair promotions. Their demands included the promotion of employees based on merit, appointment of a new director general, and cancellation of proposed recruitment regulations for non-cadre staff.

Acting Director General of Bangladesh Betar, Mohammad Shariful Quader, said that officials from the 9th, 13th, and 15th BCS remain in the 4th grade, while officials from the 24th to 27th BCS are in the 6th grade, and those from the 28th to 35th BCS are still waiting for promotions for eight to 14 years.

Bashundhara City shop owners also protested, calling for the removal of the market's In-Charge Mohsinul Karim.

Tejgaon Zone Assistant Commissioner Snehashis told TBS, "Workers blocked the road in front of Bashundhara City, demanding the general manager's resignation. The VIP movement and a political programme near Chandrima Udyan further exacerbated traffic issues."

Students also took to the streets with their own demands today, adding to the congestion. University Laboratory School and College students protested in front of the DU Vice-chancellor's residence, demanding the resignation of Principal Selina Akter. Similarly, Students of Siddheswari Girls High School demonstrated at Shantinagar intersection, demanding their principal's resignation.

Abu Ishak, a passenger travelling from Savar to Paltan, said that the journey, which usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, has extended to three hours due to the congestion, with delays at every traffic signal.