Barisal University Students Block Highway Following Fatal Road Accident
Photo Collected
BARISAL – Students of Barisal University blocked the Barisal-Kuakata highway late Sunday following the death of a fellow student in a road accident, paralyzing traffic on a key regional transport artery.
Yasir Arafat, a first-year student in the university’s Bengali department, succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment. He was critically injured earlier on Sunday afternoon when a passenger bus collided with a three-wheeler vehicle on the Dapdapiya Bridge, adjacent to the university campus. The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Mamun-Ar-Rashid, confirmed the death.
The fatal crash, which also left five others injured, triggered immediate unrest among the student body. Initially, students staged a demonstration at 8:00 p.m. to press for road safety reforms, suspending their protest roughly two hours later following assurances from the university administration. However, upon receiving news of Arafat’s death, the students resumed the blockade at approximately 10:45 p.m., bringing traffic to a standstill on the Barisal-Patuakhali highway.
The blockade has caused significant disruptions, leaving a large number of vehicles stranded and causing extensive suffering for commuters and transport workers.
The protesters have issued a four-point list of demands, primarily focusing on infrastructure improvements. These include urgent repairs to the highway near the campus, specifically the Dapdapiya Bridge, the construction of footpaths on both sides of the road, and the introduction of a dedicated bus service between the university and Rupatali.
Student representative Md. Rajib attributed the accident to long-standing neglect of the road conditions. He stated that despite previous requests for repairs, no effective measures had been taken by the authorities. Another student, Bhumika Sarkar, emphasized the group’s determination, declaring that they would not vacate the highway until their grievances are addressed.
Vice-Chancellor Mamun-Ar-Rashid visited the protest site and engaged with the students. He stated that the administration has acknowledged the demands and pledged to initiate the process of launching a bus service between Rupatali and the university to improve student safety.
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