On the suggestion of Abul Hashim it decides to hold a general strike on 21 February, when the East Bengal Assembly is due to meet for its budget session. At 6 p.m. an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code prohibiting processions and meetings in Dhaka City is promulgated. This order generated tension and resentment among the students. A general strike is observed. Students decide to defy the official ban imposed by Nurul Amin's administration and processions are taken out to stage a demonstration in front of the Provincial Assembly.
Police starts lobbing tear gas shells to the students.
Students retaliate by batting bricks. The ensuing riot spreads to the nearby campuses of the Medical and Engineering colleges. The news of the killing spread like wildfire throughout the city and people rushed in thousands towards the Medical College premises. But Chief Minister Nurul Amin urges the House to proceed with the planned agenda for the day. At this point all the opposition members of the Assembly walk out in protest.