A peaceful protest march by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement turned violent today when leaders and activists from the Cumilla Metropolitan Awami League and its affiliates attacked the demonstrators, resulting in over 50 student injuries.

The incident took place near the Police Lines area in Cumilla city around 1pm on Saturday. Seven of the injured students were reportedly shot, according to eyewitnesses, and all injured individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

The Anti-discrimination Student Movement had organized the march to press one point demand which is the resignation of this incumbent government. However, the demonstration was met with aggression from members of the Awami League and its associated groups.

Local authorities are investigating the incident and have not yet released any official statements regarding the violence or the potential motives behind the attack.

According to witnesses and participants, the protest began peacefully around 10 am outside Cumilla Zilla School.

However, activists from the Metropolitan Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Swechchhasebak League,who had gathered in the New Market and Stadium areas, intervened by chasing the students away, ultimately dispersing the protest.

As the students proceeded towards the Police Lines via Fouzderi roundabout, the situation escalated when Awami League activists resorted to violence, pelting the protesters with bricks and stones. Gunfire was also reported during the clashes.

According to the students, over 50 of their peers were injured in the attack, with at least seven sustaining gunshot wounds.

The injured were transported to different hospitals in Cumilla for treatment, including six gunshot victims admitted to Cumilla Medical College Hospital.

The violence caused panic among the students, with many fleeing for safety. Several female students sought refuge inside the Police Lines and were later evacuated by the police in vans.

Several student protesters reported that they had assembled for a peaceful demonstration to seek justice for the deaths of their fellow students.

The gathering began at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Cumilla Zilla School, and at one point, the students gained entry to the school premises by breaking the gate lock.

However, their intended march towards Kandirpar was thwarted by Awami League activists who blocked their path.

The students also claimed that despite the presence of police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel during the attack and gunfire near the Police Lines, law enforcement did not intervene.

Jannatul Eva, a key coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in Cumilla, condemned the attack, stating,"Many of us have been injured. We don't have the exact number of injured yet, but over 50 have been hospitalized."

Attempts to reach Atiq Ullah Khokon, acting general secretary of Cumilla Metropolitan Awami League, for comment were unsuccessful.

Cumilla District Superintendent of Police, Saidur Islam, acknowledged the incident, stating, "We have heard that there was a clash between two groups. The police are present at the scene, and the situation is now calm."

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