Summary:
- Anti-discrimination Student Movement activists organized a protest rally in Gazipur’s Rajbari Field following clashes between students and Awami League supporters near former minister AKM Mozammel Haque’s residence.
- Conflicting reports emerge: Police confirm 15 injuries, while student leaders claim 50+ wounded, including critical cases transferred to Dhaka hospitals.
- Nagorik Committee demands AL’s political registration cancellation, asset seizures from leaders, and immediate arrest of attackers linked to Friday’s violence.
- Tensions escalated after locals intervened during alleged vandalism at Mozammel’s home, with mosque announcements mobilizing crowds and social media circulating footage of detainees.
Leaders and activists of Bangladesh’s Anti-discrimination Student Movement gathered at Rajbari Field in Gazipur Sadar on Saturday afternoon, protesting Friday night’s violence that left dozens injured during clashes near a former minister’s residence. The demonstration follows escalating tensions between student groups and local Awami League (AL) supporters.
Organizers announced the 1:30 PM rally via Facebook after alleging AL followers attacked students attempting to prevent vandalism at former Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque’s Dhirashram-area home. “Today will be the last day of Awami League goons in Gazipur,” declared Student Movement leader Sarjis Alam in a social media post ahead of the protest.
Police confirm 15 injuries from Friday’s incident, with three in serious condition at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital. Student Movement representatives claim up to 50 injuries, including 10-12 critical cases transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Conflicting accounts emerge about the violence’s origin – while authorities describe responding to vandalism attempts, student leaders allege they intervened to stop looting by armed groups.
The Nagorik Committee, organizing Saturday’s demonstrations, escalated demands during an earlier rally:
- Immediate arrest of attackers
- Cancellation of Awami League’s political registration
- Asset seizures from allegedly corrupt AL leaders
Eyewitnesses report hearing mosque loudspeakers alert residents about the Friday night disturbance, prompting locals to surround Mozammel’s property. Social media footage shows captured individuals being restrained at the scene. Police maintain they restored order with army assistance after a two-hour response delay criticized by student organizers.
Ongoing tensions center on student demands for institutional reforms and accountability measures against political figures. Saturday’s rally marks the latest development in a months-long campaign by youth groups advocating anti-corruption measures and educational equity reforms. Authorities continue investigating Friday’s violence as medical staff treat casualties and activists vow sustained protests.
Source: tbs news
