Dozens Injured as police clash with protesters demanding complete shutdown
Clashes erupted between students and police in Merul Badda, Dhaka, this morning during a protest demanding quota reforms.
The protest, which began around 10:30 AM in front of Brac University, escalated around 11 AM when police attempted to disperse the crowd using tear gas shells.
The situation quickly deteriorated, with movement in the Merul Badda area coming to a standstill.
Police entered the Canadian University of Bangladesh campus around 11 AM, prompting protesters to take positions outside. Several shops and establishments were vandalized in the ensuing chaos.
At approximately 11:30 AM, police inside the university fired rubber bullets at the protesters, leaving at least 10 people injured according to reports from the scene.
Meanwhile, a heavy police presence, including armored vehicles, has been reported at Mirpur 10 Golchattor.
Most markets and shops from Sheorapara to Golchattor are closed, and there is significantly less traffic and pedestrian activity compared to usual.
Student protesters are observing a "complete shutdown" today, demanding justice for the victims of alleged police brutality during their peaceful demonstrations, a safe campus environment, and logical reforms to the quota system.
They have declared that all services except hospitals, media, and other essential services will remain closed during this program.
Yesterday, despite being a holiday, student protests, road blockades, symbolic funerals, coffin processions, and clashes occurred in various areas across the country, including Dhaka.
Overnight, at least 20 fires blazed along the road stretching from Shanir Akhra to the signboard in Kajla.
The route was further obstructed by tree stumps and bricks deliberately scattered across various points, effectively bringing traffic to a standstill.
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