Clashes erupted in different districts including Chattogram as police obstructed students from blocking roads and highways as part of their complete shutdown, leaving an unspecified number of people injured.
Fahad Ibne Zahid, a Daffodil University student, was shot during a clash with police at Swadhinata Chattar in the town and is being treated at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. His condition is critical, according to his father, Zahid Prong.
Some protesting students blocked the Natore-Bogura highway at the Madrasa Mor in Swdhinota Chattarr when police attempted to disperse them, triggering the clash.
Brick chips injured seven police officers, including Superintendent Tariqul Islam, and several students. Student leaders Anik Mahmud and Utsav accused the police of severe repression of them.
In Chattogram, students clashed with police in Bakolia Natun Bridge area of Chattogram city on Thursday, which left several injured from both sides.
The clashes, which lasted for two hours from 10am, erupted when the protesters blocked the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway near the Shah Amanat Bridge, also known as Natun Bridge, connecting the city and southern part of the district, halting all traffic.
The police attempted to remove the protesters from the road, leading to a chase and counter-chases for two hours.
At one point, police lobbed tear gas and rubber bullets, dispersing the protesters to the south end of the bridge.
Several individuals, including Nazmul Hasan, 25, a fourth-year student at Government City College, were arrested on the spot.
Deputy Commissioner (South) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, who was on duty there, said, “The students attempted to block the road and vandalise vehicles. We cleared them to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.”
Some were arrested from the spot and drives are on to arrest others, he said.
In the city, the presence of public transport is fragile on the city streets and no buses left for the rest of the country or entered.
In Kishoreganj, clashes broke out between quota protesters and members of the Chhatra League.
During the confrontation, several people from both sides were injured by a cocktail explosion.
The incident caused widespread panic, leading to the closure of businesses and suspension of traffic.
Besides, students of different colleges and universities blocked the Shibbari intersection in Khulna.
Due to the blockade, vehicular movement on Khulna-Jashore highway at Shibbari to Sonadanga, Moilapota and Rupsha roads remained suspended.
No statements have been received from the police regarding these incidents.
