Students boycott classes demanding safer roads

Students of several private universities and other educational institutes have boycotted classes in solidarity with the protests demanding safer roads in Dhaka.

Confirming the matter to the Dhaka Tribune, Md Asif Iqbal, former student of Independent University Bangladesh (IUB) and a protestor said: "IUB, BUP, NSU, and AIUB have boycotted their classes for Wednesday. 

"They all have come here [in front of Jamuna Future Park] to express their solidarity and take part in the protest."

Commenting on the proceedings, Dr Mostafizur Rahman, Assistant Professor of the Disaster and Human Security Management department of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) told the Dhaka Tribune: "We cannot accept the death of Abrar. He was our first year student. 

"This is a murder. I have been here from around 8am. University authorities want to ensure the safety and security of the students. Usually in these kinds of protests, some people misuse, misguide the students and try to politicize such demonstrations to serve their own interests."

"At the moment, we need to ensure that nothing of that sort happens here," he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Abrar Ahmed Chowdhury—an honours first year student of BUP’s International Relations program—was run over and killed on the spot by a Suprovat Paribahan bus while crossing the road; he was using a zebra crossing in front of Jamuna Future Park at Kuril.