Summary:
- Students blocked railways at Gazipur’s Kaliakair Hi-Tech Station, demanding “Bangladesh Digital University” replace the newly gazetted “Gazipur Digital University” name.
- The protest halted Dhaka-northern train routes, stranding multiple express trains and causing widespread commuter disruptions.
- Protesters briefly allowed a train carrying critically ill patients to pass after appeals but continued occupying tracks for hours.
- Demonstrations escalated after a February 13 government notification, with students organizing human chains and road blockades since mid-February.
Gazipur students blocked a key railway line Monday morning demanding their institution be renamed “Bangladesh Digital University,” paralyzing rail connections between Dhaka and northern Bangladesh. The protest began at 9:15 a.m. at Kaliakair Hi-Tech Station, halting multiple trains including the Sirajganj Express, which carried critically ill patients before being released following passengers’ appeals.
The agitation follows a February 13 government gazette renaming Bangabandhu Digital University (BDU) as “Gazipur Digital University.” Students argue the localized name undermines the institution’s national stature. “The Gazipur name fails to represent our academic and technological aspirations at a countrywide level,” said student protester Shahriar Kabir, vowing to continue demonstrations until their demand is met.
Key Impacts
- Northern route trains like Panchagarh-bound Ekota Express and Kurigram Express stranded
- Ticket officer Mohammad Alam confirmed all Dhaka-northbound services suspended
- Station Master Abul Khayer Chowdhury reported prolonged disruptions affecting thousands
Protesters earlier held human chains and road blockades, escalating to today’s railway occupation after failed negotiations. While students allowed the Sirajganj Express to proceed at 9:50 a.m., they maintained the blockade by sitting on tracks, causing ongoing delays. The Ministry of Law has yet to respond to demands.
