Police and students clashed violently at the Dhaka University campus and Barishal on Wednesday, as demands for reform of the government job quota system intensified. In Dhaka, the conflict erupted at approximately 4:15 PM in front of Ruqayyah Hall and in Barishal clash erupted in front of Hatem Ali College and in the Natullabad Bus Terminal area.
Students have taken positions in various alleys, hurling brick chips at the police. In response, law enforcement officers have repeatedly deployed tear gas, sound grenades, and rubber bullets. Inspector Lokman Hossain of the Airport Police Station stated that tear gas is being used to disperse the students.
Students, advocating for changes to the quota system, conducted a symbolic funeral on campus and then positioned themselves in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. Tensions escalated when police intervened to prevent them from advancing towards the Raju sculpture.
The confrontation quickly turned violent as students began hurling brick chips at the police. In response, law enforcement officers deployed tear gas canisters, sound grenades, and rubber bullets, pushing the students back towards the Vice-Chancellor’s residence.
