Tensions reignite near parliament as HSC students block road

HSC students blocked the Manik Mia Avenue next to the National Parliament on Tuesday night, returning to the thoroughfare about 1.5 hours after police had dispersed them.

Police are diverting traffic after the blockade started around 8:30pm, said Rafiqul Islam, deputy commissioner at DMP.

The students are continuing protests into the night, even after the education minister regretted his recent controversial remark and pledged he would consider the retaking of Monday’s exams as demanded by the protesters.

About an hour after the minister’s remarks at the parliament, the students said they “had to resume protests” as there was still no “concrete steps” from the government over realising their demands.

Around 7pm, the students attempted to enter the Parliament after breaching a police barricade at Asad Gate area. Police requested them to avoid the unauthorised entry to the sensitive facility, but they refused, leading to a clash.

Police ultimately managed to drive the agitators back to Asad Gate.

Around 8:30pm, they returned to the Manik Mia Avenue next to the Parliament, blocking vehicular movement from Asad Gate to Khamarbari.