DSCC to construct foot overbridge at Shahbagh
Dhaka University students block Shahbagh intersection in the capital yesterday protesting the death of a student, Towhid Zaman, of international relations department in a road crash there on August 28 and to press home their five-point demand including construction of a foot overbridge. Photo: Rashed Shumon
In the face of strong demands by Dhaka University students, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) in consultation with the university authorities has decided to construct a foot overbridge at the capital's Shahbagh intersection. "We have taken the decision to ensure safety of the students. We will visit the spot tomorrow (Monday) and start the construction work in the shortest possible time," DSCC Chief Executive Officer Sultanur Islam Chowdhury told The Daily Star yesterday. The decision came after students blocked the Shahbagh intersection since noon to press home their five-point demand including construction of a foot overbridge there. The blockade was removed after DU Proctor Prof MA Ali announced that the city corporation would start construction of the overbridge within the next 15 days. Students' demonstrations triggered since the death of DU student Tawhid Zaman in a road accident at the intersection on Tuesday. Vehicular movement on different roads leading to the university virtually came to a standstill during the two-hour-long blockade yesterday, causing huge sufferings to commuters. Meantime, a group of Bangladesh Chatra League leaders and activists locked in an altercation with the protesters in an effort to tame the agitation, said eyewitnesses. According to DU proctor office, at least six people were killed in separate road accidents on the campus in the last seven years. Of the victims, three were DU students, who were killed at Shahbagh intersection. Meanwhile, experts emphasised on creating awareness among the students and pedestrians to use the foot overbridge after its construction is completed.
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