Nursing students block Shahbagh

Several hundred nursing students blocked the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka this afternoon, triggering a severe traffic congestion and causing immense suffering to commuters.

Witnesses said the students initially gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to press home their demand for upgrading their nursing diploma to Bachelor's degree.

They began marching towards Shahbagh around 1:30pm.

Photo: Amran Hossain

Police tried to stop them in front of Shahbagh Police Station, but the demonstrators broke through the barricade and occupied the busy intersection.

Vehicular movement in the area came to a complete standstill, forcing many commuters to abandon their buses and walk.

Khalid Monsur, officer-in-charge of Shahbagh Police Station, confirmed the development and said that police were trying to vacate the area peacefully.