Traffic in and around Shahbagh came to a near standstill today as ad-hoc and contractual jobholders from various government and autonomous institutions staged a sit-in, demanding the nationalization of their jobs.
 
 The protest began in the early hours of the morning, causing significant disruption to the usual flow of vehicles in one of Dhaka's busiest intersections.Mehedi Shakil, assistant commissioner of traffic for the Shahbagh zone under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), reported that the demonstration had severely impacted traffic, with vehicles stuck in long queues and several key roads in the vicinity becoming impassable. 
 
The police have been deployed to manage the situation, but the congestion has persisted, affecting commuters and creating a ripple effect on traffic across the city.
 
 
 
The protesters, comprising employees who have been working under temporary or contractual agreements for years, voiced their frustration over the lack of job security and benefits typically afforded to permanent government employees. 
They are demanding immediate action from the authorities to nationalize their positions, which they argue would ensure fair treatment and long-term job stability.
 
Despite efforts by law enforcement to negotiate with the protesters and clear the roads, the sit-in continued throughout the day, drawing attention from the public and media alike. 
 
The situation remains tense, with no resolution in sight as of yet.Authorities are urging commuters to avoid the area and seek alternative routes to minimize inconvenience. 
 
The impact of the protest is expected to last well into the evening, with potential for further escalation if the demands of the jobholders are not addressed promptly.