Violent clashes have erupted between police and protesting students centring the quota reform movement in Chattogram city on Monday.
The incidents took place around 4pm at city's Cheragi Pahar intersection under Kotwali Police Station. The clashes escalated when police used sound grenades and tear gas to disperse the protestors.
Prior to the clashes, students had gathered at the location at 3:30pm, chanting slogans. Police on the scene attempted to disperse them, leading to use of tear gas shells aimed at the students, who then scattered.
Earlier, at 3pm, students had announced a protest rally at Jamalkhan Press Club. However, due to law enforcers activity, they were failed to hold the rally there by 3:30pm. When a few students attempted to gather, police detained three individuals. Following this, the students moved a few hundred yards away from the fixed spot to Cheragi Pahar intersection to continue their protest.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Qazi Tareque Aziz, said, "Typically, any assembly requires police permission. However, they did not obtain any such permission. Moreover, even if the curfew is relaxed, assemblies are not allowed. If anyone violates the law to hold a rally, the police will handle the situation legally and with utmost patience."
SA
