JU students block Dhaka-Aricha highway over BCS exam schedule

A group of students from Jahangirnagar University (JU) blocked the Dhaka-Aricha highway near the university's main entrance today, demanding that the 47th BCS written examination be postponed.

The protesters began their demonstration by blocking the Aricha-bound lane of the highway around 12:20pm. The blockade continued for nearly two hours.

However, police confirmed that the blockade resumed around 2:20pm after a break of 20 minutes -- this time blocking both lanes of the highway.

The blockade has caused traffic congestion on the highway.

Raihan, a 46th batch student at the university's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, who joined the blockade, explained the reason behind the protest. "We were compelled to block the highway today. In previous years, the Public Service Commission allowed at least six months before the written examination. Deciding to hold the exam at such short notice this time was a reckless move," he said.

Acknowledging the disruption caused to commuters, Raihan added, "We understand that our blockade caused public inconvenience. But the PSC must withdraw its thoughtless decision. We want our legitimate demands to be met, and we urge the PSC to reconsider its decision as soon as possible."