SAU Students Demolish Structures and Plow Old Trade Fair Ground

Students of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) have demolished the remaining structures of the Asia International Trade Fair at the old trade fair ground in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, and plowed the land using tractors. On Monday morning, November 2, 2026, the students went to the ground with two tractors from the university's central farm to carry out the program.

Around 10:00 AM, the students gathered in front of the university's flag stand. Later, led by a procession along with the central farm tractors, they arrived at the old trade fair ground. At that time, the remaining structures of the fair on the ground were demolished, and the students plowed the land using tractors.

SAU students have been protesting for several days against the decision to establish a secretariat on this land, which is known as the university's old research field. Previously, they gave an ultimatum to shut down the Asia International Trade Fair demanding the return of the field to the university. As the fair was not shut down, vandalism was also carried out on various structures of the ground at one point. Although the ministry later issued an official announcement closing the fair, the remaining structures were not removed from the ground. In protest, the students demolished the structures and plowed the field on Monday.

Rafiur Rahman Ruhan, a student participating in the program, stated that this field is not only for the university but a lung for the entire area. If a secretariat is established on this historic research field, the biodiversity of the entire region will be destroyed. He added that returning the field to the university and implementing afforestation there will save the entire area.

Rifat Rahman, an employee of a fair stall, stated that although they wanted to leave with their belongings after the fair closure announcement, they were obstructed by the fair committee. Students alleged that following the government decision to suspend the fair, the organizing committee promised to remove the structures within a day, but failed to do so within the stipulated time. They claimed that instead of removing structures, various individuals associated with the fair organizers attempted to negotiate by meeting with local influential figures.

Regarding the matter, university Proctor Prof. Dr. Arfan Ali stated that the students are continuing their movement for their demands. Upon learning about the incident, they went to the spot and tried to pacify the students.

 //DBTech/SC/DE/OE//