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At least 20 people have been injured in a clash after an Anti-discrimination Student Movement convoy headed to Dhaka for the “March for Unity” programme was attacked in Bagerhat’s Mollahat.
The incident occurred in the Madrasaghat area around 11:30am on Tuesday, according to Shafiqul Islam, chief of Mollahat Police Station.
Citing locals and students, OC Shafiqul said that 25 buses from the Khulna Metropolitan Area set off on Tuesday for the “March for Unity” event in Dhaka.
“In the meantime, one of the vehicles in the convoy fell behind and there was an argument between the people of two different vehicles in the Madrasaghat area over giving way on the road.”
Local residents reportedly dragged several students out of their bus and assaulted them, setting off a broader clash between the convoy passengers and the attackers.
The entire area erupted in an hour-long chase and counter-chase between the two sides. At that time, traffic on the Khulna-Mawa highway was halted for about two hours.
Later, police and army personnel arrived at the site and brought the situation under control.
At least 20 people were reported injured in the clash, the OC said.
Zahurul Tanvir, Anti-discrimination Student Movement coordinator for Khulna, said: “Our convoy was peacefully going to Dhaka from Khulna. On the way, criminals who had been prepared in advance attacked us. Many were injured.”
He also said that the locals were cooperating with them, alleging that fascist accomplices carried out the attack.
Another coordinator, Minhajul Abedin Sampad, said: “This attack was planned. However, no obstacle can divert us from our goal.”
“The blood of our brothers has been shed. This must be tried very quickly. Those involved must be brought to justice and exemplary punishment must be ensured.”
Otherwise, he warned, the students will find those involved through a movement.
Later, OC Shafiqul said that traffic on the road had normalised since 1:15pm, adding: “The situation has become somewhat normal. The students have left for their destinations.”
He also said that additional police and army personnel are at the scene to prevent further clashes.