Dhaka University (DU) has pledged legal action against seven college students who attacked and vandalised a university bus during an ongoing blockade at Science Lab intersection, leaving seven people injured.
The incident occurred around 2:30 PM on Thursday when the bus became stuck in a blockade organised by seven college students demanding an ordinance to establish Dhaka Central University. Protesters hurled bricks and stones at the vehicle, shattering windows and damaging the exterior.
Assistant Proctor Rafiqul Islam confirmed that two window panes were smashed and the outer body damaged. "Two of our students were admitted to hospital with injuries. In addition, five others, including a journalist, were injured. All were given primary treatment," he said.
The bus named ‘Arjon’, used to transport students between the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology in Hazaribagh and the main campus, sustained damage estimated at Tk 20,000–25,000, according to Transport Department Director Kamrul Islam.
DUCSU Literature and Culture Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad condemned the attack at a press conference held at DU TSC on Thursday evening.
"Those who attacked the DU bus cannot be students. They are parasites using the name of students," he said, adding that DUCSU would lodge a complaint at Shahbagh Police Station.
DUCSU Executive Member Afsana Akter said, “Dhaka University has always supported the country during critical moments. But today, some miscreants attacked our bus. We strongly condemn this heinous attack and call for the attackers to be immediately brought under the law.”
Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan met protesting DU students at Nilkhet roundabout around 6:30 PM on Thursday, assuring them of legal measures.
Earlier, students from the Institute of Leather Engineering had staged a sit-in from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM near Mukti O Ganatantra Toran.
DU VC instructed the Proctor to file a case regarding the attack and promised all possible legal action. He also scheduled discussions with the treasurer on Friday at 4:00 PM to address budget planning for Dr Qudrat-e-Khuda Hall development.
Students of Seven Colleges began blocking major intersections on Wednesday, continuing their demonstration at Science Lab on Thursday.
Their central demand remains the final declaration of the Dhaka Central University ordinance, though DUCSU maintains these demands should be directed at the government, not Dhaka University.
The damaged bus remains parked in the VC premises whilst authorities determine alternative routes for student transport.
NRE/NSA
