Two Dhaka University (DU) students suffered serious injuries during a violent assault at New Market area in the capital while protesting harassment of their female classmate, which sparked fresh concerns about safety for university students in Dhaka's commercial areas.
Shahedul Islam and Ayazur Rahman, both first-year students from 2023-24 session, were hospitalised with head and leg injuries following the incident that happened around 9:30 PM on Monday at Jasmine Fabrics shop in Chandni Chowk Market.
Philosophy Department student Farhan visited the shop alongside Ayaz and Social Welfare Department student Masrat to purchase clothing.
During price negotiations, shop staff allegedly directed vulgar remarks at Masrat, with one employee declaring, "How do lowlifes like you even come to markets like this? We won't sell clothes to people like you."
The harassment prompted Farhan to call other friends Shahed and Rupok at the scene. However, their protests against such behaviour triggered a dangerous escalation, with the shop manager and neighbouring vendors allegedly shouting "thieves" before launching a physical attack on the students.
Both injured students received medical treatment at DU medical centre following the assault. University Staff Office Supervisor Md Amanullah subsequently filed a case with New Market Police Station, initiating formal proceedings against the perpetrators.
Police investigations have yielded swift results, with one suspect named Milon and two others already in custody. His interrogation has led officers to identify four additional suspects connected to the assault.
"There were CCTV cameras at the scene. The suspects will be arrested soon after reviewing the footage," confirmed officer in-charge AKM Mahfuzul Haque of New Market Police Station, indicating that video evidence will strengthen the case against the attackers.
This incident highlights growing tensions between university students and market vendors, raising questions about adequate protection for young people in Dhaka's bustling commercial districts.
The swift police response and arrests suggest authorities are taking the matter seriously, though concerns remain about preventing similar confrontations in future.
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