A protest march organised by the anti-discrimination students' movement turned violent when clashes broke out between the students and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League in Jamalpur on Saturday.
The protesting students marched from the new bypass intersection to Sheikh Hasina Medical College, eventually gathering at Mirza Azam Chattar. The protest caused traffic to halt for about an hour and a half on the Jamalpur-Dewanganj and Jamalpur-Madarganj regional highways.
During the march, students chanted slogans such as "My brother is in the grave, why is the killer out?," "We gave blood, we will give more blood," "In the flood of blood, injustice will be swept away," "The fire is burning, it's burning in blood," and "Justice, justice, we want justice."
A violent clash erupted with the AL men when the demonstrators broke through the police barricade and marched through the main road to Government Ashek Mahmud College.
During the confrontation, several rounds of rubber bullets, tear shells were fired, and several cocktails were exploded.
The protesting students scattered, taking refuge in various houses in the city. However, by 4pm, the activists of AL and their allies had taken positions at various intersections.
The protesting students claimed they were conducting a peaceful demonstration when they were fired upon. They alleged that Chhatra League members assaulted them and warned of more stringent actions if those responsible for the attacks were not arrested.
Jamalpur Sadar Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Mohabbat Kabir said, "To avoid further clashes the police dispersed the demonstrators. The situation is now under control, and no casualties have been reported so far."
SA
