Over 20 people including students, locals were injured as police and Awami League activists clashed with protesting students at Uttara in Dhaka as the police resorted with tear gas and sound grenade to disperse the protesters.
The incident occurred in front of Milestone College in Uttara Sector 11 on Friday afternoon during a mass rally called under the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement banner.
Various media sources reported that Tahmid Huzaifa, a BBA final year student of the Independent University, Bangladesh, was among the injured. He was hit by bullets in the eyes, forehead, and lips and was admitted to the hospital.
Another person, Dulal Hawla, owner of Bhuban Laundry House in Uttara Sector 11, was injured by a brick that hit his head. He received treatment at Crescent Hospital, Uttara.
Additionally, two police officers were injured, as confirmed by the control room of the police hospital in Rajarbagh.
Witnesses and local sources reported a heavy police deployment around the mass march in Uttara Sector 11, BNS Centre, and Zamzam Tower area.
Despite the rain, students from various schools, colleges, and universities in Uttara participated in the procession after Friday prayers. They gathered in front of Milestone College and were later chased by Awami League supporters towards Milestone College.
The situation tensed when students retaliated, leading Awami League leaders and activists to fire bullets and tear gas at the students. Some students were injured, and they dispersed, seeking shelter in different buildings. Helicopters were also seen patrolling Uttara during the clashes.
Regarding the clash, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Tohidul Islam from Uttara Zone said: “The information about the clash between the police and students is not accurate. Those protesting were not only students; there were also people from lower income backgrounds and Shibir members.”
