Photo : Messenger
Attempts to protest on Monday were initiated by a group associated with the anti-discrimination student movement, despite the official withdrawal of the movement. This has created a tense atmosphere. Protests occurred in Dhaka, Chattogram, Barishal and Rajshahi University, resulting in the arrest of at least 20 individuals in Dhaka. In Chattogram, the police dispersed protestors by chasing them away. Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested a total of 2,822 people in 243 cases as of Monday.
According to sources, six coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, who are currently in the custody of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's detective department, announced the withdrawal of all movements on Sunday.
However, some coordinators who were not in custody rejected this announcement and called for a new movement. Demonstrations were attempted in Dhaka in support of this call. During these attempts, reports indicated that a total of 10 people were arrested in locations including Mirpur 10, ECB Chattar, Science Lab, Dhanmondi, Uttara, and the Press Club. This has heightened tension, prompting additional security measures.
Munsi Sabbir, OC of Mirpur police station, reported that 10 individuals were arrested at the Mirpur No. 10 roundabout during the protest. Additionally, Assistant Commissioner of Newmarket Zone, Refatul Islam, stated that 10 people were arrested in front of Star Kebab in Dhanmondi. Around 12:30 pm, a police officer on duty at the ECB Chattar noted that some protesters were throwing bricks. The police removed them and made several arrests. Protests in Uttara and the Press Club areas also led to heightened tension, with the police chasing away the demonstrators.
In Chattogram, a clash erupted between the police and students. Around 4 pm at the Cheragi Pahar intersection of Kotwali police station, students, who had gathered around 3:30 pm, began chanting slogans. Police on the scene attempted to disperse them, leading to the use of tear gas to break up the crowd. The students eventually dispersed following the police intervention.
Earlier, the students had announced a protest program at the Jamal Khan Press Club area around 3 pm. However, due to police activity, they were unable to hold any program there until 3:30 pm. When some students attempted to gather, the police arrested three individuals, one of whom is reported to be a student of a private university in Chattogram.
Subsequently, the students relocated a few hundred yards away from the Jamal Khan Press Club to stage a protest at Cheragi Pahar Mor area, where there was a notable participation of female students. Protesters also tried to assemble in the Kazir Deuri area of the city, prompting the arrival and positioning of army vehicles. A police team was also observed near the scene.
Meanwhile, students from the anti-discrimination movement at Rajshahi University held a protest rally. At 11:30 am, they blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway in front of the university's main gate and conducted their protest rally, demanding the resignation of the university's vice-chancellor.
Coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, Mehedi Hasan Sajib, stated that the government displayed extreme audacity towards the student community's demands by detaining the movement's coordinators and coercing them into making a scripted statement at gunpoint at the DB office. He added, "We have been silent for so long, but not anymore."
In response to the violence and vandalism associated with the quota reform movement, 243 cases have been filed across various police stations in Dhaka city. According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media and Public Relations Department, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) KN Roy Niyati, the DMP has so far arrested 2,822 people in connection with these cases.
He mentioned that individuals involved in the violence and vandalism are being identified and apprehended through the analysis of intelligence information and CCTV footage. Consequently, 243 cases of violence have been registered, and legal actions are being pursued against those arrested.
Special security measures were implemented for Monday’s program, with heightened police and law enforcement presence across key roads and intersections in Dhaka since morning.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has also increased patrols nationwide, including in critical areas of the capital, to maintain order and prevent any potential disruptions. BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam confirmed that these enhanced patrols are aimed at preventing chaotic situations.
Gulshan Division Deputy Commissioner of Police (DC) Rifat Rahman Shamim assured that adequate security arrangements are in place, with normal traffic flow being maintained on the roads.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for the DMP Media and Public Relations Department, Farooq Hossain, stated that substantial security measures have been established in Dhaka to address any situation, including potential disturbances. Additional police have been deployed at various locations to ensure the safety of both lives and property.
Additional Commissioner of DMP (DB) Harunur Rashid told reporters that while everyone has the right to organized movement, any disruptions to public security arising from these movements will be addressed strictly.
Messenger/Fameema
