Quota reinstatement: Nine injured in Rajshahi clash

At least nine people were injured in clashes related to the quota reform movement in front of Rajshahi Government Women's College on Thursday.

Witnesses reported that a group of students, armed with iron pipes, rods, and sticks, attacked a passing police van, leading to a violent confrontation.

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The students also vandalized the police vehicle, and threw bricks at the police. The police responded with baton charges to disperse the crowd.

Four police officers and several students were injured in the clash. Additional police forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.

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Boalia police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Humayun Kabir said that the protestors suddenly attacked the police.

In a related incident, Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League leaders clashed with quota reform activists in Rajshahi, leading to the explosion of 8-10 cocktails and injuring at least five people.

Witnesses said that around 10:30am on Thursday, protestors gathered at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point with sticks, demanding quota reform. Awami League leaders and activists then chased them. Protestors detonated cocktails as they fled. Awami League leaders and activists caught and beat two or three people.

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Later, Awami League presidium member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton arrived to calm the situation, urging the protestors to return home.

Rafin Hasan Arnab, Rajshahi coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, also asked the students to leave.

Boalia police station OC Humayun Kabir added that students and Chhatra Shibir activists attempted to gather at Saheb Bazar Zero Point with sticks but fled after being chased by Awami League leaders, activists, and the police. The situation remains calm.

Shops at the Saheb Bazar area were closed due to the clash, and there was minimal traffic in the city.

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Long-distance bus services from Rajshahi were suspended, although intercity buses continued to operate.

Rajshahi University (RU) has been nearly emptied of students, as halls and campuses were declared closed indefinitely. University administration used loudspeakers to urge students to vacate the halls quickly.

The Station Bazar area near Rajshahi University was deserted, with most shops closed. At least 20 police officers were stationed at the main gate, with patrols in front of the administration building and a police station at Kajla Gate. There were no students in the halls, and dining facilities were closed.

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The Rajshahi University Officers Association held a blockade near the administration building on Thursday morning, demanding the cancellation of the discriminatory notification regarding universal pension.

Rajshahi University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Sultan-Ul-Islam commented on the campus situation, saying that the university has been in a stagnant state due to the unusual incidents.

He expressed hope for a quick return to normalcy, emphasizing the need for everyone's cooperation.