Dhaka city polls: Protesting DU students end hunger strike

Students on hunger strike demanding deferment of DSCC and DNCC elections. UNB File Photo
Students on hunger strike demanding deferment of DSCC and DNCC elections. UNB File Photo

A group of Dhaka University (DU) students, who went on a fast unto death on Thursday demanding deferment of the polls to two Dhaka city corporations, ended their strike on Saturday night after their demand was met.

They broke their strike sipping juice and water offered by DU vice chancellor professor Akhtaruzzaman soon after the announcement deferring the elections, reports UNB.

Speaking on the occasion, the DU VC thanked the election commission for its decision, saying good senses have finally prevailed on them.

Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda told newsmen around 9:00pm that the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) polls will be held on 1 February instead of 30 January, the day of Saraswati Puja, one of the largest festivals of Hindu community.

At least 15 students fell sick on Friday and Saturday while fasting to press home for the demand.

Earlier, police foiled a march of the students towards the Nirbachan Bhaban on Wednesday.

The protesting students had announced the march programme from a road blockade at Shahbagh soon after the High Court on Tuesday turned down a writ petition seeking deferment of the 30 January elections.