Students of Khulna University (KU) on Wednesday blocked the Sonadanga Bus Terminal intersection in protest against the assault of a fellow student and the harassment of a teacher.
The protest began at around 5:30pm, with students gathering in front of the Sonadanga Bus Terminal to confront bus owners and workers.
Md Muhibullah, a student coordinator at Khulna University, reported that a KU student traveling from Gopalganj to Khulna on a Rajib Paribahan bus was allegedly harassed by transport workers following an argument over fare.
Upon informing others about the incident, students gathered at the Sonadanga Bus Terminal, where further altercations occurred, resulting in another attack on the students by transport workers.
In the clashes, several students were injured. Two teachers were also reportedly harassed during the incident.
As news of the incident spread, a large number of students headed to the bus terminal and confronted the workers, leading to a series of back-and-forth chases.
The situation has created panic across the area.
Howlader Sanwar Masum, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Sonadanga police station, said: "A student traveling on Rajib Paribahan was not provided a seat and was assaulted after being taken to the bus stand instead of being dropped off near Khulna University. When KU students went to the bus stand to rescue him, a clash ensued between the two sides, with stones being thrown. All possible measures are being taken to de-escalate the situation."
Members of the army, navy, BGB, and police are working to bring the situation under control.