Students of International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC) joined the ongoing quota reform movement on Tuesday, the first to do so among private universities in the port city, positioning themselves on railway tracks and a highway as part of their demonstration.
Their move follows attacks on Monday reportedly carried out by Chhatra League on protesters in various parts of the country.
The IIUC students blocked the railway track at Kumira station near the university’s Sitakunda campus, halting the Parjatak Express train travelling from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar.
Another train headed for Dhaka was immobilized at Chittagong railway station.
Additionally, IIUC students blocked the Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Kumira, leading to severe traffic congestion
Chittagong Railway Station Manager Md Moniruzzaman said: “The Parjatak express train bound for Cox’s Bazar was scheduled to arrive at Chittagong station at 11:20am, but it is stuck on the track due to the blockade. The Dhaka-bound Mahanagar Express also could not depart from Chittagong station at noon.”
He said he had reports that two freight trains were also stuck. “If the students do not disperse, more train schedules might be disrupted.”
At around 10:30am, hundreds of students marched from the campus and occupied the railway line and adjacent highway, chanting slogans against attacks on protesters and demanding quota reform.
Local police were at the spot to maintain law and order.
Kamal Uddin, officer-in-charge of Sitakunda police station, said the student blockade was causing massive traffic jams.
“We requested them to move, but they refused. We are taking precautions to prevent any untoward incident.”

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