Students from seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University staged a protest at the Science Lab intersection around 12:15 PM today, October 29, demanding the formation of an independent university for their institutions.

Witnesses reported that the demonstration has resulted in a complete halt of traffic at the Science Lab intersection.

The protest began when students assembled on the Dhaka College campus around 11:00 AM before taking to the streets to block the busy intersection. "For the past 45 minutes, students have been chanting slogans demanding a separate autonomous university for the seven affiliated colleges. Vehicular movement is completely halted at the Science Lab intersection, and senior police officials are present as well," stated Shah Mostafa Tarikuzzaman.

Assistant Commissioner of the Dhanmondi Zone, Shah Tariq Mostafa, informed TBS that efforts are underway to persuade the students to return to their classes.

The students' demands include the immediate formation of a commission to establish the university for the seven affiliated colleges, a draft proposal from this commission within 30 days, and assurances from Dhaka University that there will be no session delays until the new university is established.