Mayhem at JU campus as ‘BCL attacks’ quota protesters, police fire tear shells and rubber bullets
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Around last midnight, men who were believed to be members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) launched an attack on JU students. The incident took place just hours after the quota reform activists wrapped up their programmes for the day. Over 320 students were injured across the country on Monday in attacks on quota protesters allegedly by the BCL.
Our correspondent reports that as of 3:30am last night, chase and counter-chase were still ongoing in JU between students and Chhatra League leaders and activists. Many have resorted to stop using their phones in fear of reprisal.
Police were deployed on the campus. Students reported hearing shots being fired.
3:30am
At JU, protesting students are gathering in front of the Vice Chancellor’s residence where BCL men have taken position, our correspondent reports, adding that hundreds of students and journalists are currently stuck inside the residence.
Police have once again fired tear shells and rubber bullets targeting the students.
3:07am
BCL members are still present in the TSC area of Dhaka University, reports our correspondent. However, the situation in the halls is calm.
3:00am
At least four journalists have suffered severe injuries while on duty at the JU campus as police fired rubber bullets targeting them.
Banik Barta correspondent Mehedi Mamun. Photo: Collected
“We repeatedly showed our press cards to the police. Identified ourselves as journalists. But they didn’t listen to us. They fired shots,” said Wajtul Islam, correspondent of Daily Janakantha, who was one of the journalists injured in the police firing.
Bangladesh Today correspondent Jubayer Ahmed. Photo: Collected
The other injured journos are Banik Barta correspondent Mehedi Mamun, Dainik Bangla correspondent Abdur Rahman Sarzil and Bangladesh Today correspondent Jubayer Ahmed.
Dainik Bangla correspondent Abdur Rahman Sarzil. Photo: Collected
2:52am
A police officer present on the spot told The Business Standard, on condition of anonymity, that shots were being fired on the campus.
“Shots are being fired. The situation is really bad,” they said over the phone.
2:32am
Quota reform movement coordinator Sarjis Alam held a press briefing in front of the Amar Ekushey Hall.
“If anyone tries to obstruct our peaceful movement, we will blow them away,” he said.
2:00am
Police have fired tear shells indiscriminately on the campus, a JU student told TBS over the phone. However, it was not clear who were the police targeting.
The incident took place after protesters came out of their halls and chased BCL members.
TBS tried to reach the university’s proctor, assistant proctor and Ashulia Police Station over the matter, but none could be reached.
1:00am
At around 1am, Chhatra League men were still seen standing on the field in front of the JU VC’s home, students say
12:10am
DU students have claimed that BCL members have attacked them in their halls after they returned ending the demonstrations for the day.
At least five-to seven people were injured in Ward-33 of the Dhaka North City Corporation area in the attack, the students claimed.
At around 12am, they were heading out of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital after receiving treatment.
About 200 members of the Jubo League had reportedly held a motorcycle showdown in that area, in front of the Shahidullah Hall, according to the students.
The injured students told TBS that’s where they were attacked.
In another incident, at around 9pm, some students involved in the quote reform protests were taken to the DU’s guest room and different hall rooms and beaten up, several students told TBS.
Later, at around 12:30am, a student of the Ekattor hall was brought to the hospital by his friend.
The student, who did not wish to be named, told TBS, “When I came down from the hall room to eat at around 9:30pm, the leaders and activists of the Chhatra League grabbed me and beat me up. My hands and legs were hit with rods. Now I can’t move my hand.”
He further said, “I was beaten unfairly. Now I can’t even give my identity to the media. If my name is revealed, I might not be safe. I ran away from there and came here for treatment.”
12:05am
Police have rushed to the JU campus following reports of the BCL attack, according to students.
Speaking to TBS on the phone, a student of the university said the protesting students first took position in front of the VC’s residence. At that time, when BCL leaders and activists, including some outsiders, were about to attack them, they broke the locks and entered. But some of them couldn’t go in.
Later, as the police arrived, the Chhatra League refrained from further attacks.
12:00am
Members of BCL have attacked students in their halls at Jahangirnajagr University after midnight wearing helmets and sticks in their hands, several students at the university said after midnight.
Some students said they also heard gunshots.
Men wearing helmets enter the JU VC’s residence at midnight. Photo: Collected
Soon after the attack, students took shelter at the Vice Chancellor’s residence. But BCL members have allegedly attacked there too
9:55pm
JU students have taken positions in front of the residence of the university’s vice chancellor.
9:42pm
Protesters at DU have ended their programmes for the day.
“We will bring out rallies and processions at 3:00pm across the country tomorrow,” Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators of the quota reform protests told journalists, tonight.
“If necessary, a blockade will be announced across the country as well,” he added.
They have announced the new programme to protest the attacks by BCL men and demanding reform of the quota system for government jobs.
“We have been given the title of Razakars from the top level of the state to make our movement questionable. No matter if they call us Razakars or something else, we will achieve our goals,” said Nahid.
He also called for the withdrawal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s comment where she said, “”Why do they have so much resentment towards the freedom fighters?” If the grandchildren of the freedom fighters don’t get quota benefits, should the grandchildren of Razakars get the benefit?”
The PM made the comment at a press conference yesterday.
“Now this movement is no more a student movement. Where the highest level of the state has made such comments about our movement, this movement is not only for students now. I am calling common people to join the movement,” added Nahid.
He also said students are not feeling safe in their halls.
9:30pm
Police have left the Doyel Chattar premises. They have also asked the protesters to go back to their halls. The students are expected to hold a press conference to announce their programmes for tomorrow.
9:25pm
DU students have brought out a procession in protest of attacks by BCL on quota reform activists.
DU student at the procession.
They are going towards Doyel Chattar where policemen are waiting in riot gear.
Policemen in riot gear at Doyel Chattar.
9:00pm
At least 60 were injured in an attack allegedly by the Chhatra League on protesting students of Jahangirnagar University today (15 July), Chief Medical Officer of the university Shamsur Rahman said.
He said after primary treatment, those seriously injured were sent to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar.
Injured JU students lying on the ground.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Miraj, the on-duty manager of the hospital, said, “Several students have already been brought here. They are being treated in the emergency department of the hospital.”
An injured JU student bleeding from the head.
Ali bin Sulaiman, a doctor on duty in the emergency department of the hospital, said 15 injured students were brought there as of 9:30pm.
“Two of them are in critical condition,” he added.
One of those injured in the attack, Ayesha Siddika Barshti, told TBS, “They beat my friend Oishee a lot. When the fight started, everyone ran. We fell in the middle. When Oishee fell in the middle of the road, dozens of BCL goons stepped on her. Two of them also beat her.”
She said she tried to reach Oishee, but the crowd pushed her further away.
“At one stage, I saw one of the attackers coming towards Oishee with a bamboo stick. I then yelled at them to come at me instead,” she said.
She said Oishee was eventually pulled away by the crowd.
Ayesha, however, remained defiant.
“We will go again tonight if the protest march starts. If I die, I will die. But at least people’s conscience will awaken,” she added.
8:51pm
Jahangirnagar University students are gathering in front of the central Shaheed Minar in protest of BCL attacks on quota reform activists earlier on the day.
8:37pm
Six students of the Rajshahi University were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League.
The injured students are Tarek Ashraf, convenor of the Revolutionary Student-Youth Movement, Rakib Hossain, joint convenor of the Student Union, Fuad Ratul, convenor of Student Front, Al Ashraf Rafi, member of Revolutionary Student Alliance, Naseem Sarkar, convenor of Student Mass Forum, and another student named Ibrahim.
In a written complaint to the proctor, the students alleged that a number of BCL activists attacked them in front of Momtaz Uddin Kala Bhavan around 6:30pm.
Rajshahi University Proctor Professor Ashabul Haque said, “I have received the complaint. The incident is being investigated. The students have been given first aid.”
Rakib Hossain, joint convenor of Student Union, said, “The attack was led by Prince Hossain Rayel, joint general secretary of Shaheed Suhrawardy Hall Chhatra League. At least six people were injured in the attack.”
8:34pm
DU provosts will stay at halls throughout the night, the university’s Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Maksud Kamal said tonight after an emergency meeting with provosts amid violent clashes between BCL activists and quota reform protesters.
8:14pm
A DMCH doctor, on condition of anonymity, told The Business Standard that at least 250 students have taken treatment at the hospital since Monday afternoon. As of 8:00pm, at least 11 students are currently admitted there in various wards.
8:00pm
A BCL member has allegedly beaten a quota reform protester at the Islamic University in Kushita. The BCL leader has been removed from his hall residency.
7:55pm
Barishal University students have blocked off the Barishal-Kuakata Highway in protest of the BCL attacks on protesters at the DU campus.
7:47pm
At least 10 people have been injured as protesters at the Jahangirnagar University have come under attack allegedly by BCL men. Several students have suffered serious injuries.The attack took place at around 7:15pm when the protesters brought out a procession near Bot Tola area.
A JU student injured in an alleged BCL attack undergoing treatment at the medical centre of the university. Photo: Collected
7:44pm
Protesters from DU have alleged that BCL men attacked them inside the Dhaka Medical College Hospital where they had taken their injured friends.
7:15pm
Students from Khulna University, CUET, Khulna Agricultural University, BL College and other educational institutions are gathering at the Khulna Zero Point. The students have effectively blocked the Zero Point intersection, where highways running through Bagerhat, Satkhira and Jashore are connected. The blockade has cut off road communications between Khulna and the adjacent district.
Protesters moving toward Khulna Zero Point.
7:10pm
The Dhaka University Provost Standing Committee has convened an emergency meeting at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence following a clash between quota reform protesters and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League
6:46pm
Hundreds of policemen in riot gears have been deployed on the DU campus following clashes between quota protesters and BCL men. BCL members can also be seen taking positions near the police at Doyel Chattar at DU.
Policemen and BCL members at Doyel Chattar of DU.
Policemen in riot gear at DU.
6:30pm
Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists block quota reform protesters by taking position at Dhaka Medical College area today (15 July).
6:27pm
Protesters from outside Comilla university are joining university students on the university campus. Meanwhile, activists of BCL have also taken positions on the campus.
6:22pm
BCL ends the rally at the TSC area of DU campus. But some members of the organisation remain in the area with batons in their hands.
BCL activists in the TSC area near the Raju Memorial Sculpture at around 6:20pm.
6:11pm
Govt won’t allow any unstable situation to develop: FM
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said that a group is trying to turn the anti-quota movement into an anti-state movement.
Speaking at a press conference in Shegunbagicha area of the capital this afternoon, he said, “An attempt is being made to turn the anti-quota movement into an anti-state, anti-government movement by using the sentiments of young students. The government will not allow any unstable situation to develop.’
6:00pm
Photos of alleged BCL members attacking protesters
BCL members attack a student at the DU campus on 15 July.
Members of BCL launching an attack on quota protesters on DU campus.
5:51am
Quota protesters have engaged in a heavy clash with members of BCL in front of the Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall of the university
5:50pm
BCL members have attacked quota protesters at the University of Chittagong this afternoon. The incident has left at least two students severely injured, our correspondent report from the spot.
5:20pm
DS, P Alo journos assaulted
At least two photojournalists have been hurt in attacks by alleged members of BCL, according to media reports.
The Daily Star’s Senior Photographer Prabir Das and Daily Prothom Alo’s Staff Photographer Dipu Malakar were injured in an attack by activists of the Chhatra League on the Dhaka University campus this afternoon, the Daily Star reported at 5:01pm.
They were hit by sticks near DU’s VC Chattar while they were covering the students’ protest of the quota system in government jobs, added the report.
5:17pm
Alleged members of BCL have attacked quota protesters in front of the gate of the DMCH, reports our correspondent
5:15pm
BCL activists brought out a procession in Cox’s Bazar at around 4:00pm protesting the quota reform movement that has swept the country. They later held a small rally near the city’s central Shaheed Minar.
5:00pm
Photos have been coming out of injured students being taken to different hospitals, including the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and the BIRDEM General Hospital.
An injured student of Bijoy Ekattor Hall of DU is being taken to BIRDEM General Hospital for treatment.
Injured students at DMCH.
An injured student being carried by others at DU.
4:45pm
Quota reform coordinator says 50 female protesters left injured in BCL attack
Quota reform movement coordinator Nahid Hasan claimed that 50 female protesters so far had been injured in the attack allegedly by Chhatra League. He said in total 150 had been injured in the clashes at Dhaka University today. He also said they would march against the attacks on campus today.
4:25pm
BCL members at the TSC area of DU before their pre-announced rally.
BCL members have gathered at the TSC area of the Dhaka University campus as they begin their pre-announced rally.
Members of BCL gathered at the TSC area for their pre-announced rally
4:20pm
Quota reform protesters have been dispersed following sporadic clashes with members of BCL
4:10pm
Members of BCL with sticks on their hands near the base of Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture
BCL activists have taken position near the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture.
3:59pm
Part of the quota reformists have scattered towards Palashi, while another group is heading towards Jagannath Hall and Shaheed Minar.
3:55pm
‘BCL’ activists chase quota reform protesters from VC Bhaban, who are rushing towards Salimullah Muslim Hall through Fuller Road.
3:48pm
Quota protesters have lost control of Surja Sen hall, Kabi Jasimuddin hall, Bijoy Ekattor hall, and Mall Square, and are now gathered in front of the VC’s residence.
3:47pm
Students of Barishal University brought out a protest rally demanding the withdrawal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s demeaning comments and the cancellation of the discriminatory quota system in government jobs.
The students organised the rally on the ground floor of the university at 3:00pm today. Later, they carried out a procession on the Barishal-Kuakata highway.
Sujoy Shuvo, a coordinator of the quota reform movement at the university, said, “A vested quarter is trying to take our movement in the wrong direction. We won’t backtrack fearing anyone.”
3:45pm
A Chhatra League procession is heading towards Shahbagh with a procession from Matsya Bhaban.
3:43pm
The protesters were forced to retreat from Bangabandhu, Zia, and Ekattor Halls following an attack by Chhatra League leaders and activists, wielding hockey sticks, rods, and stumps.
At the clashes, most of the BCL members were seen wearing helmets.
3:45pm
Students injured in the attacks are being taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
3:40pm
The clash between quota protesters and BCL activists has escalated across the DU campus.
Chhatra League leaders and activists have reportedly launched the attack in the university’s Surja Sen Hall , Bijoy Ekattor Hall, and Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall.
3:40pm
The university’s Mall Chattar has turned into a battlefield.
3:26pm
The BCL activists of Surja Sen Hall attacked the quota protesters.
3:24pm
The anti-quota protesters took control of the field in front of Bijoy Ekattor hall.
3:19pm
As news of the clash spread, quota reform protesters marched in a large procession to Bijoy Ekattor Hall.
Earlier last night, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) President Saddam Hossain announced that the student wing will hold a sit-in programme the Raju Memorial Sculpture to protest against what they see as an insult to the spirit of the liberation war.
He said, “From Monday, there will be no Rajakar on the streets of Bangladesh. This is a clear directive to leaders in every district, city, university, and educational institution, those who seek to create anarchy or mock the martyrs will be dealt with on the streets.”
2:00pm
Students of United International University (UIU) started a protest demanding quota reform by blocking the road from Natun Bazar to Rampura at around 12:00pm.
The protest brought traffic between Natun Bazar and Kuril Bishwa Road to a standstill.
Rajon Kumar Saha, assistant police commissioner (Traffic) of Badda zone, told TBS, “The students’ protest has completely halted vehicular movement between Natun Bazar and Kuril.” University students across the country began protesting against the quota system for government jobs earlier month after the HC on 30 June ordered to restore quota for descendants of freedom fighters which was abolished in 2018.
In the early hours today, BCL members allegedly attacked quota reform protesters at the University of Chittagong, the Jahangirnagar University, and the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) during demonstrations, the protesters have claimed.
The attacks have left at least 6-9 people injured, according to sources.
This morning, the provost of Jahangirnagar University’s Bishwakabi Rabindranath Tagore Hall resigned from his post over the alleged attack on quota protestors at the university.
