Photo: Collected
A convoy of 25 buses carrying students from Khulna on their way to join the Anti-discrimination Student Movement's "March for Unity" in Dhaka came under attack in Mollahat of Bagerhat this morning (31 December). Unidentified assailants attacked the vehicles when they reached the Madrasa Ghat area of Mollahat at around 11:30am, said the students and witnesses.
The attackers threw brickbats at the buses and physically assaulted some students after stopping the buses. When the students retaliated, a violent clash erupted in the area. At least 20 people were injured in the hour-long confrontation. Police and the army have been deployed to bring the situation under control.
Students said they felt the attack was pre-planned and carried out by the assailants, who, they alleged, were aided by locals. They also accused the police of inaction, claiming the attack took place near a police station, but officials did not intervene.
Jahurul Tanvir, the Khulna coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, said many have been injured after their peaceful convoy was attacked. "Supporters of the ousted fascist government carried out the attack," he said.
Another coordinator, Minhazul Abedin Sampad, said, "The attack was premeditated. But it would not deter us from reaching our goal." He demanded swift justice for the injured students and warned that if the perpetrators were not brought to justice, the students would take matters into their own hands.
Students have been gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka University for the "March for Unity" since this morning in response to the mass gathering announcement made by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in the early hours.
Groups of students are arriving in processions from different parts of the country, carrying the national flag, banners, and placards with slogans written on them. The programme is set to begin at 3pm.
Messenger/Tareq
