Photo : Collected
At least 20 individuals, including students and police officers, were hurt as police dispersed a demonstration by Cumilla University students against the government job quota system.
On Thursday (11 July) afternoon, the anti-quota protesters in Dhaka began gathering in front of the central library of Dhaka University, as per their planned program.
Meanwhile, the activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League also started gathering in front of the central library around 4:00pm.
Sargis Alam, a coordinator of the movement, said, "Our announced programme will proceed as planned, regardless of inclement hostile weather or the alert position of police and Chhatra League. We stand for truth and do not feel unsafe."
Police take position in front of Shahbagh Police Station as students prepare to begin their protest.
Earlier in the day, police have warned that it will take action in accordance with the law if anyone causes public suffering as the relevant court has already given a verdict on the quota system.
Speaking at a press conference organised at the DMP Media Centre, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Ops) Mahid Uddin said the police must have love and sympathy for those who are protesting.
"But at the same time, we have to remember that we have to respect the existing laws of the country and the highest court of the country. Since the students are educated, I humbly request on behalf of DMP that they don't organise a programme for which people suffer."
Messenger/Nishat
