Quota protesters announce fresh programs as over 320 students got injured in BCL attacks
More than 320 students were reportedly injured in attacks allegedly conducted by the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) during nationwide protests against the quota system.
Similar incidents involving BCL have been reported on various university campuses across the nation.
Clashes between students protesting against the freedom fighter quota and Bangladesh Chhatra League members at Dhaka University extended to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital area, with over 100 injured seeking treatment.
The conflict near the hospital began when BCL members attempted to remove the injured protesters on Monday afternoon.
A fierce confrontation erupted as additional BCL members from the university joined the clashes, with both sides initiating the throwing of bricks.
During the clashes, five homemade bombs were detonated. The source of these explosives remains unverified.
Earlier in the afternoon, around 150 students were injured when BCL members attacked the quota reform protest at Dhaka University's VC Chattar.
Around 3:30 pm, BCL members from various Dhaka University halls and Dhaka city units attacked protesting students,using iron rods and sticks, injuring the protesting students.
The attackers then chased the protesters away. Injured students were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Before that at 3:00 pm, another clash occurred when protesters using loudspeakers called on students from different dormitories to join them.
Upon reaching Bijoy Ekattor Hall, BCL members inside threw bricks at the protesters, leading to retaliation.
Subsequently, both groups, armed with sticks and iron rods, pursued and were pursued by each other.
Protesting students in the evening have announced new demonstrations tomorrow at 3:00 pm across the country.
They are now demanding a one-point reform of the quota system and urging widespread student participation in the upcoming demonstrations.
Protesting PM’s remark
The protesting students viewed the Prime Minister's comments on Sunday as insulting and announced this fresh protest after demonstrating for two hours last night.
During a Sunday press conference, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina questioned why protesters harbor resentment towards the Liberation War and freedom fighters.
She asked, "If the grandchildren of freedom fighters don't benefit, does that mean the grandchildren of Razakars [Pakistani collaborators] will?"
The Prime Minister's comments drew condemnation from Sarjis Alam, coordinator of the 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,' who expressed disappointment and called for the remarks to be withdrawn.
Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud on Monday has stated that the government will not allow any attempts to destabilize the country.
He accused political opponents of exploiting the ongoing student protests against the quota system, claiming they are trying to transform it into a movement against the state and the government.
The minister also highlighted the use of anti-state slogans during the protests and attributed them to the involvement of political adversaries.
He vowed that the government would not allow these forces to succeed in their attempts to create instability.
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