March for Justice: Over 50 injured in Barishal as police baton charge protesters

More than 50 people, including journalists, have been injured after police charged baton on students at a ‘March for Justice’ demonstration in Barishal.

Police dispersed the demonstrators in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall and Fazlul Haque Avenue in front of the Judge’s Court.

They detained at least 13 protesting students, including two female students, bdnews24.com reports.

Witness Jewel Rana, Barishal correspondent (photojournalist) for Protidiner Bangladesh, said the students started their march at Fakirbari Road at 11:00 am and police intercepted them at the entrance to the Sadar Road.

The students assured police they would protest peacefully, but the police did not let them pass.

“At one point police baton-charged the students and dispersed them. Then the students attempted to gather in front of the Judge’s Court at Fazlul Haque Avenue, but police clubbed and dispersed them again.”

“At least five journalists, including Daily Jugantor photographer Shameem Ahmed and Jamuna TV cameraperson Hridoy were hurt in the police charge as they attempted to take photos and video.”

Shameem and three others were admitted to Barishal’s Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital with serious injuries, Jewel said.

Manisha Chakrabarty, the Barishal district convenor of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal-BaSoD, was among those who took part in the protest.

“The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement was holding a peaceful March for Justice. Police attacked it. I have learned that 50 students, including female students, were injured. At least 10-15 have been hospitalised.”

"How police carried out the arrests is despicable. I demand the immediate release of the students.”

Biplob Das, a teacher who joined the student protesters, said: “The students have carried out the March for Justice programme. They called people from different classes and professions. They are all my students. That is why I have come and stood by the students.”

The teacher said, "The police had blocked the road since the morning. Police beat innocent students with canes at will. The students moved from the Sadar Road to in front of Judge Court. Even then the police beat them.”

“Students were not creating any disturbance. They were not doing anti-state activities or any kind of conflict. They were chanting their demands. Those students were beaten by the police. Hundreds of students are believed to have been injured. However, I cannot say how many students they have detained.”

Barishal Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner SM Tanveer Arafat said, “Some leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement blocked the road in front of the court. The court is an important institution. Then they tried to attack police, throwing brickbats. Students also tried to vandalise cars.”

According to the police officer, the protesting students were removed to bring the situation under control. There were several Shibir students in the movement and they were arrested, he said.

Moushumi, a student of Jessore University who identified herself with a single name and who was attacked, said: “I don't engage in Shibir politics. I am a regular student. The male policemen came and beat us at will. [One of them] grabbed my hair and beat me with a stick.”

Sub Inspector ‘Nishat’ of Sylhet Kotyali Model Police Station said, "A total of 13 people, including two female students, were taken into police custody. Most have been returned to their families. Now two to three people are in the police station.”