Students of Government College of Applied Human Science, formerly known as Home Economics College, blocked roads in the capital for the second day on Friday, demanding the resignation of Principal Professor Meherunnesa and justice over an alleged police attack on protesters, among other demands.
The students took positions on both sides of the road connecting Nilkhet and Azimpur from 10am, disrupting traffic in the area, Lalbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Jamil Hossain confirmed.
The protest followed a night of tension at the college, where students had confined the principal to her office since Thursday morning over allegations of irregularities and autocratic conduct, as well as a notice imposing a fine of 12,600 taka for what they said was an excessive electricity bill for the auditorium.
At around 11:30pm, police reportedly baton-charged and attacked students while attempting to rescue the principal from her office.
Several police personnel and students were seriously injured in the incident and are receiving treatment at hospitals.
Following the incident, students declared Principal Meherunnesa persona non grata on the college campus and announced an indefinite suspension of all classes, examinations and academic activities until a new principal takes charge.
The protesters continued their demonstration on the road outside the college late into Thursday night before returning to the streets on Friday.
OC Mohammad Jamil Hossain said around 50 students began demonstrating in the morning by blocking the road in front of the college. Additional police personnel had been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents, he added.
The protesting students said they would continue their movement until the principal submitted her resignation in writing and a fair investigation was conducted into the police attack, with those responsible brought to justice.
According to students and college administration sources, the tensions originated from a farewell programme organised at the college auditorium before the Puja holidays for final-year postgraduate students from five departments across three residential halls.
The programme was initially scheduled to end by 10pm. However, following requests from students, the deadline was extended to midnight. The event eventually continued until 5am.
Citing the use of the auditorium beyond the permitted hours, Principal Meherunnesa cancelled the residential hall seats of two students who had coordinated the programme.
The students later apologised, but the principal allegedly demanded 12,600 taka to cover the auditorium's air-conditioning and electricity costs for one night as a condition for reinstating their seats.