Dhaka, July 18, — As part of the ongoing quota reform movement, agitators have enforced a 'Complete Shutdown' across the country, leading to significant disruptions, particularly on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway at Jatrabari. The protesters have been blocking the highway since Thursday morning, causing widespread inconvenience to commuters.

Due to the protests, no vehicles, including rickshaws, motorcycles, and bicycles, are allowed to enter or leave Dhaka. This has caused significant hardship, especially for office-goers. Many people were seen walking to their destinations as all modes of transportation were halted.

The barricades on the Rayer Bagh section of the highway have led to a massive traffic jam, with many cargo vehicles, long-distance buses, and CNG-powered auto-rickshaws stuck. Similarly, the Matuail Medical area barricades have prevented any vehicles from entering Dhaka.

On Wednesday night, intermittent chases between police and protesters were reported. Protesters set fire to the toll plaza of the Hanif flyover. They were seen on the road from Shanir Akhara Kajla via Rayerbagh to the signboard by around 12:30 am. In response, a large number of security forces, including RAB, Police, and Armed Police Battalion (APBN) members, were on alert in front of Jatrabari police station. The security forces began throwing sound grenades at the protesters to disperse them.

The 'Complete Shutdown' program, part of the broader demand for quota reforms in government jobs, has significantly impacted daily life, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing movement and the authorities' challenge in maintaining order.