Students, who demonstrated in Dhaka protesting the death of a Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) student in a road accident, called for boycotting classes in all educational institutions on Wednesday and a countrywide road blockade.
They announced the programme to press for their eight-point demand, including maximum punishment of the bus driver responsible for the death of BUP student Abrar Ahmed Chowdhury in the capital’s Badda.
“Our movement will begin on Wednesday,” announced said BUP student Mayesha Noor, a spokesperson for the protesters. She urged students across the country to boycott classes and demonstrate in front of their institutions.
“This is a continuation of the last year’s road safety movement. We will continue the protest until our demands are met,” Mayesha said.
Mayesha said that unlike last year they do not want any attacks and blood-shed and called on the police to protect them.
Saying that they have already announced their eight-point demand, she added, “This is no political movement. No political person or party will be accepted here.”
Their demands include death penalty for drivers who cause road deaths, complete removal of political influence from the transport sector, and consistent vetting of every bus drivers’ legal documents; such as of drivers’ licenses.
They also demanded speedy trial and capital punishment of drivers and anyone responsible for road accidents; and taking steps for the removal of buses without fitness and drivers licenses from the streets, as soon as possible, underpasses, speed breakers, foot overbridges be constructed in risky areas of the city, steps be taken against suspect administration officials and traffic police personnel, if evidence of their negligence is found.
They added that steps must be taken to halt competitive driving practices, and for the construction of more bus stops; and students must be offered half-price passes for bus rides across the city, or separate bus services.
Abrar Ahmed Chowdhury-an honours first year student of the International Relations Department at the BUP—was run over by a Suprovat Paribahan bus while crossing the road around 7:15am on Tuesday.
Chowdhury died on spot and his death sparked protests that led to torching of buses in the capital.
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