A massive torch procession and human chain were brought out by people from all walks of life in Shariatpur, demanding that the proposed Shariatpur Agriculture University be established at its previously designated site near the district town alongside the Shariatpur-Dhaka Highway. The program was organized under the banner of "People of All Strata of Shariatpur District" on Sunday evening (November 1) near the Kotapara Bridge area on the highway.
A large number of general citizens, students, and teachers from various upazilas, including Shariatpur Sadar, Zanjira, and Naria, participated in the event. During the program, demonstrators blocked the highway for about 30 minutes, disrupting traffic movement.
Among others, Nashasan Union BNP Vice President Masum Khan, UP Member Billal Sheikh, Dhaka University student Abdur Rahman Dalim, and Kamrul Islam Malat addressed the gathering.
Speakers at the human chain noted that following the passage of the act establishing Shariatpur Agriculture University in 2023, Domsar in Shariatpur Sadar Upazila and Nashasan in Naria Upazila were considered potential sites for the university. However, following the recent appointment of a Vice-Chancellor, proposals have emerged to move the site to a union in Damudya Upazila, discarding the earlier sites.
Read nextVehicle Movement Normalizes on Dhaka-Tangail Highway in Kaliakair After 7-Hour Worker ProtestThe speakers further stated that concerns regarding high land prices near the district town had been raised. They asserted that if land cost is the primary obstacle, local residents are prepared to donate their land for free in the broader interest of the district. They warned of tougher protest programs if their demand is ignored.
They also argued that the proposed location in Damudya Upazila is situated at one end of the district. Establishing the university there would cause severe communication difficulties for students coming from different upazilas, while also making housing, healthcare, tuition, and other essential facilities hard to access.
Emphasizing that the university is a public asset for the entire district rather than a single region, speakers urged the relevant government authorities to reconsider the location decision and establish the university near Shariatpur Sadar along the Shariatpur-Dhaka Highway.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Shariatpur Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
