JU students protest outside VC’s residence after Chhatra League attack
Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Students at Jahangirnagar University (JU) staged a demonstration outside Vice-Chancellor Md Nurul Alam’s residence on Monday night, demanding justice for an attack by Chhatra League activists.
The protest, which began around 8:45 pm, continued past 10:30 pm. Police were deployed at the university's main gate and Prantik gate during the protest.
Earlier, around 6:30 pm, students under the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement banner began a march from the university’s central library, protesting against attacks on students at various institutions, including Dhaka University.
When they reached the Bottola area, Chhatra League activists attacked them, leading to an hour-long clash. During the attack and clash, more than 50 people, including teachers, students and journalists were injured. Of the injured, 20 were critically injured and sent to a private hospital in Savar.
Around 8:25 pm, Chhatra League activists retreated to the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall and threw bricks from the rooftop. Protesters then moved to the Vice-Chancellor’s residence at around 8:40 pm.
“We were attacked during our peaceful march by Chhatra League activists led by their president. They attempted to kill us…. They also beat us with sticks,” said Mahfuz Islam, member secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Prof Aulad Hossain of the Chemistry Department said, “I was standing there when I was suddenly attacked, resulting in a head injury. However, I do not know who exactly attacked me.”
Denying the allegations, JU Chhatra League President Akhtaruzzaman Sohel said, “We did not attack anyone. We went to talk to them, but they suddenly attacked us, injuring several of our members. We will resist any unjust activities on campus until the end.”
Proctor Prof Mohammad Alamgir Kabir said, “We were present from the beginning, monitoring the situation. It was an extremely unexpected event. We will take necessary measures based on a thorough investigation.”