The anti-discrimination student movement’s “March for Justice” program saw widespread protests across the country on Wednesday, as students and teachers rallied against the “killings, mass arrests, attacks, cases, and disappearances” linked to the quota reform movement.
Demonstrations occurred in several major cities, including Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Barisal, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, leading to numerous clashes with police and multiple arrests.
Dhaka
The "March for Justice" organized by the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement saw confrontations with law enforcement on Wednesday, as students, teachers, and lawyers demanded justice for victims of the police crackdown on the quota reform movement.
The protest in front of the High Court turned tense around 12:30pm when police detained two students, Nahid and Arif, from the Matsya Bhaban intersection as they were heading to the High Court.
Witnesses reported that lawyers surrounded the police van at the High Court intersection, demanding the release of the students.
Their efforts, supported by strong protests from other students and teachers, forced the police to release the detainees.
Students from various private universities, schools, and colleges in Dhaka, including BUET, gathered near the High Court gate by Doyel Chattar.
Despite police obstructions, the students managed to enter the High Court premises, showcasing their determination to voice their demands.
Police release two students amid strong protests in High Court premises
During the standoff, Dhaka University professors, including Professor Mostafizur Rahman and Dr Md Kamruzzaman from the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, intervened and successfully negotiated the release of the detained students around 2pm.
Following the release, students congregated at Doyel Chattar and chanted slogans before moving to the Shaheed Minar.
Another group assembled near the Kadam Fountain, demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor.
Earlier in the day, around 12:30pm, an altercation between Doyel Chattar and the High Court area led to the injury of DU teacher Shehrin Amin Bhuiyan from the Department of Public Administration at Dhaka University.
60 injured as clash erupted during March for Justice program in Khulna
She intervened to stop the police from apprehending a student and described the incident, saying, “When the police tried to apprehend a student, I intervened, asking what his crime was and insisting they check in front of us. However, the police did not listen and used force. A policeman twisted my arm and tried to take the student away. I fell while trying to stop them again. Although I felt some pain in my knee, the twisting of my arm caused more discomfort.”
University Proctor Prof Dr Maksudur Rahman, upon learning about the incident, said, "Our assistant proctors are there. They're also monitoring things."
Jahangirnagar University
At Jahangirnagar University, both students and teachers joined the "March for Justice" program under the banner of the anti-discrimination student movement.
Around 1pm, students gathered in front of Mahua Mancha near the university's New Arts building to collect mass signatures and begin a protest march.
Approximately 10-15 teachers from various departments joined the march, showing their support.
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
At ULAB, faculty members held a sit-in at the university entrance, demanding the release of students detained during the quota reform movement, the withdrawal of cases against them, an end to oppression, and a peaceful educational environment.
Din M Sumon Rahman, an associate professor of media studies and journalism, expressed concerns over students being on the run due to fear of arrest.
Sylhet
In Sylhet, at least 20 people, including students, were injured while participating in the "March for Justice" program.
Students gathered at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology campus around 11am and moved towards Sylhet city around 12 noon.
At Subidbazar junction, police blocked their way, leading to a verbal altercation and a physical clash.
Police fired sound grenades and tear gas shells, and students responded by throwing bricks.
Khulna
Khulna experienced one of the most intense clashes, with at least 60 people injured and approximately 100 arrests reported.
The conflict began at Satrasta intersection at 2pm and spread to Royal Mor, Shantidham, Modern Furniture Mor, Baitipara, Moulvipara, and PTI Mor.
Police fired sound grenades, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets during the hour-long clash.
Thakurgaon
In Thakurgaon, police dispersed students by charging batons during a protest rally titled “March for Justice” under the banner of the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement.
Two students were injured. The confrontation occurred around 11:30am when students crossed police barricades and reached the gate of Thakurgaon Municipality and District Sessions Judge Court.
Dinajpur
At least 10 students were detained during the “March for Justice” program in Dinajpur.
The students were performing a program at Shaheed Minar, Gor-E-Shahid Eidgah Maidan, around 11:30am when they were detained.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Mominul Karim said that the students were brought in for questioning and their parents were informed.
Jessore
In Jessore, police reportedly charged batons against students participating in the protest under the banner of the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement.
Several students were detained. The confrontation occurred around 12pm in front of the Superintendent of Police’s office.
Students had attempted to gather in front of the Press Club on Mujib Road at 11am but were hindered by extensive police searches.
Chittagong
In Chittagong, a group of lawyers and students from the quota reform movement gathered in front of the court for their "March for Justice."
Demonstrators began assembling from 10am in front of the Zilla Parishad building.
Around 11am, students broke through a police barricade and stood in front of Sonali Bank at the court entrance, leading to a tense situation.
Barisal
In Barisal, police dispersed protesters with batons, resulting in injuries to at least 10 people, including four journalists.
Clashes occurred after students attempted to hold a protest march in front of Kathpatti Road near Sadar Road around 11am. Police made several arrests and further confrontations ensued.
Our correspondents Mahathir Mohammed, Serajul Islam, Hedait Hossain, Md Zakir Mostafiz, Pimple Barua, and Anisur Rahman Swapan contributed to this report
