Several individuals were injured as clashes erupted between the students of quota movement and Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) members in Brahmanbaria on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 11:45am in front of the District and Sessions Judge's residence.
However, the identities of the injured could not be ascertained immediately.
The protesters said that a group of female students gathered in front of the Brahmanbaria Government College main gate at around 10am on Wednesday, demanding quota reform.
Shortly after the gathering, BCL men went there and engaged in hostile behavior, threatening and attempting to disperse the protesters. Despite the intimidation, the students remained steadfast, they said.
The students also said that around 11am, a tensed situation rose when multiple explosions were heard near the college and the level crossing area. At that time, Sadar Upazila Parishad Vice Chairman Fatema Afrin went there with some women to persuade the students to leave. The protesters, however, continued their demonstration and then proceeded to march. Students from several institutions of the district town joined the march, said .
Meanwhile, another group of Chhatra League members paraded through the streets on motorcycles, armed with sticks, wooden planks, and oars, intimidating students and preventing them from joining the protest in front of Brahmanbaria Government College. They also chased and scattered the protestors at various locations, alleged the protesters.
At around 11:45 AM, the protesters attempted to march back towards Brahmanbaria Government College from Kautoli Mor. When they reached in front of District and Sessions Judge's residence, the BCL activists carrying bamboo sticks and blocked their way when a scuffle ensued, resulting several injured. The Chhatra League members eventually chased the students away with sticks and oars, they added.
Farhana Sharmin, a protesting student, said, "The Chhatra League members tore our banners and stood in front of us, chanting slogans. They humiliated us in various ways because we were demanding quota reform. We came to protest the bloodshed of our brothers and sisters. There is no place for discrimination in the Bangladesh of the Liberation War."
District BCL President Rabiul Hossain said, "We did not obstruct the students. We asked them to present their demands through the district commissioner. We tried to provide them with water and food. However, our joint general secretary, Rabiul, was injured in their attack. He required four stitches above his right eye."
Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md. Billal Hossain said that they would investigate the alleged attack on the protesting students and the incidents involving explosions.
Police have been deployed at various points in the city to maintain order, added the police official.
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