At least 50 students of Jagannath University (JnU) were injured in a clash with policemen on Wednesday as the lawmen foiled their long march to the chief adviser’s official residence Jamuna in the capital’s Kakrail area to press home their three-point demand.
Witnesses said violence flared up as several hundred students of the university started their scheduled ‘Long March’ towards Jamuna from the campus around 12:30 pm.
The demonstration of the students followed their failed negotiations with University Grants Commission officials on Tuesday regarding budget increases and housing solutions.
As their procession crossed Tantibazar intersection, Gulistan intersection, Zero Point intersection and Matshya Bhaban, police obstructed the demonstrators near Kakrail mosque, leading to a clash.
At one stage, the protesters attempted to break through the police barricade leading to law-enforcers’ use of batons, said witnesses.
They dispersed the protesters after firing sound grenades, tear gas shells and used water cannons.
Following the police action, the protesters moved towards the Matsya Bhaban intersection and then gathered at Shahbagh.
Participants in the march claimed that at least 11 people including teachers were injured during the police action.
A teacher identified as Nasir Uddin was also among the injured. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
Their demands are—to ensure 70 housing scholarships starting from the 2025-26 fiscal year, until proper housing facilities are implemented.
The proposed full budget for Jagannath University for the 2025-26 fiscal year must be approved without any cuts.
The construction of a second campus for Jagannath University must be approved in the next ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) meeting and implemented as a priority project.