JU students clash with locals, police baton-charge leaves several injured

The Mugda Tola area of Old Dhaka turned volatile following the beating of a Jagannath University (JU) student. Clashes broke out between a group of university students and local residents. Police resorted to baton-charges to bring the situation under control, leaving several students injured.

The incident occurred late Monday night. In protest, students blocked the Mugda Tola intersection around 2:30 am and staged demonstrations by burning tyres.

According to the victim, witnesses and students, the incident began over money for repairing a water pipeline. Azharul Islam, a student of the 19th batch of the university's Law department, lives in a rented flat in Mugda Tola. He had already paid the landlord for repairing the water pipeline. However, after the work was completed, plumber Michael demanded additional money. When Azharul refused, Michael took away his shoes. A heated argument erupted when Azharul demanded his shoes back, which escalated into a physical altercation.

Azharul alleged that during this time, the landlord's son Ashik arrived at the spot and beat him, causing a head injury.

Upon receiving the news, Azharul's classmates and friends rushed to the spot. Tension spread between the two sides, leading to clashes between students and local residents.

Witnesses said Gendaria Thana police arrived at the scene to control the situation. In the presence of police, students attempted to beat Ashik. Police then resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the students.

Several students were injured in the clashes and police action. The injured include Limon Islam and Apurba Ray, who work as university representatives for two media outlets.

In protest, students began demonstrating at Mugda Tola intersection around 2:30 am. This disrupted traffic and tension prevailed in the area for a long time. Students dispersed around 5:30 am.

Students alleged it was police's responsibility to take legal action against those responsible, but resorting to a lathi-charge on students was unacceptable. They demanded a fair investigation and swift action against those involved.

When contacted, Gendaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman said he was not present at the spot. ADC Mir Muhasin of the Demra zone was present and could provide details.

ADC Mir Muhasin of the police's Demra zone said students approached police with bamboo sticks to chase them. Police resorted to the lathi-charge in self-defence. He said further legal action would be taken regarding this matter.

JU Proctor Md Nasir Uddin said he had looked into the matter. He learned that students had attempted to snatch someone away from police and beat him. Police carried out the lathi-charge to control the situation. He also said he was keeping in touch with the injured students.