Police use batons, tear gas on JnU students; over 100 injured

Police have used batons, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse the participants of a "Long March" organized by teachers and students of Jagannath University (JnU) in protest over three key demands, including housing allowances and approval of the proposed budget. The protest march, which was heading towards the residence of the Chief Advisor, 'Jamuna', resulted in over 100 people being injured, including students, teachers, and journalists. Among the injured, approximately 30 were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. In response, the protesters sat on the streets in front of Kakrail Mosque in the capital to continue their demonstration.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, around noon, in the Kakrail Mosque area of Dhaka.

Eyewitnesses reported that the march, which began at 11:30 AM from the JnU campus, first faced resistance at the Gulistan Mazar Gate. After overcoming this obstruction, the protesters proceeded towards the Matshya Bhaban area. However, they encountered another roadblock and were again prevented from proceeding further by the police. Despite the obstacles, they continued their march toward their destination. When the protesters reached the Kakrail Mosque area, police suddenly started firing tear gas, sound grenades, and even hot water at them. The violent response led to injuries among both teachers and students, as well as several journalists. Among the injured were Professor Dr. Md. Raich Uddin, General Secretary of the JNU Teachers’ Association, and Mahatab Hossain Limon, General Secretary of the Journalists’ Association.

Several journalists were also injured, including Sohan Faraji, JnU correspondent for Dhaka Tribune, and Mehdi, JnU correspondent for Daily Sangbad.

Professor Dr. Rais Uddin, who was injured by the tear gas, said, "We will continue our protest until the police attack on our students is addressed and our demands are met."

Rumana Zone's DC, Masud, stated, "There is no way to proceed towards 'Jamuna' now."

Professor Dr. Tajammul Haque, the university's Proctor, condemned the police action, saying, "The police attacked my teachers and students. The police's inhuman treatment of students who are peacefully protesting for their legitimate rights is unacceptable. We will not leave until justice is served."

This violent crackdown on the peaceful protest has escalated tensions and sparked outrage among the JNU community.