Arrest Gazipur attackers by tonight, demands Sarjis

Central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Sarjis Alam has demanded the government and law enforcement agencies take immediate arrests against those responsible for Friday night’s attack on students in Gazipur.

"If those responsible for the attack on students in Gazipur are not arrested by tonight (Saturday night), then we will take a stand against the government and the police. If any cadre from the Awami League, Chhatra League, or Jubo League threatens my brothers, their place will be in prison the next day,” he warned during a sit-in protest in the city on Saturday.

“If the accomplices of killers Sheikh Hasina and Jahangir try to rise in Gazipur again, the students and other people will not spare them,” he asserted.

Activists of Jatiya Nagarik Committee staged demonstrations protesting the attack on 18 activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at the residence of Awami League Gazipur District President AKM Mozammel Haque, who fled the country.

Six people were critically injured and transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital while others admitted to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital.

In response to the attack, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee organised daylong protests, rallies and sit-ins across Gazipur, including in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Rajbari Road and the Bhawal Rajbari ground.

The demonstrators, including students, activists, and members of various organisations, chanted slogans against fascism and demanded justice.

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activist Arif Sohel said, "Our brothers were attacked, yet the administration and police provided no assistance. If the police do not assist, we will have to take responsibility for our own protection."

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s coordinators claimed that they had gone to the site to resist the vandalism and looting that had taken place.

During this time, the banned Chhatra League and Jubo League spread a rumour via loudspeakers about a robbery, gathered crowds and attacked the students, they alleged.

Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin visited the injured students.

Members of law enforcement agencies, including RAB, visited Mozammel Haque’s residence to collect evidence.

Despite public outrage, police said no case was filed by Saturday afternoon.

Officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station Arifur Rahman said 15 people were detained in connection with the incident.