Students and activists from Chittagong University (CU), Islamic University (IU) and Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) staged protests on Friday evening against police action on Inqilab Moncho activists during a march towards the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka.
The demonstrations were held to condemn the police crackdown on Inqilab Moncho members, including the platform’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, who was reportedly shot with rubber bullets during the clash.
The activists were marching to demand justice for the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi.
In Chattogram, CU, students and local activists gathered at Gate No. 2 demanding accountability for the police attack and the immediate release of detained activists.
Protesters raised slogans such as “Why attack my brother? Interim response now!” and “Justice for Jaber!” The demonstration caused severe traffic congestion along the Muradpur-GEC route, where commuters faced long delays.
A similar protest took place at JUST, where students began a march at 7pm from the main gate. The procession moved through student halls and key roads, concluding with a short rally in front of the university gate.
The protesters condemned the police action and warned that authorities would not be able to silence them through force.
In Kushtia, IU students blocked the Kushtia-Khulna highway to protest the police attack.
The march started from Zia intersection around 5:30pm and proceeded through important roads before blocking the main highway near the university gate, temporarily halting traffic.
Over fifty students took part, including IU Chhatra Shibir Secretary Rashedul Islam Rafi, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leader SM Sweet, and Sochchar President Rahat Abdullah.
The protesters demanded swift justice for Hadi’s murder and criticised the police for using excessive force against a peaceful movement.
They said the police action reflected the same repressive tactics used in earlier regimes and vowed to intensify their protests if the case remains unresolved.
Earlier on Friday, Inqilab Moncho activists began a march from the InterContinental intersection toward Jamuna. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd when protesters attempted to break barricades.
In the clashes that followed, Inqilab Moncho claimed that Abdullah Al Jaber was shot and several activists were injured, including Rucsu GS Salauddin Ammar.
Many of the injured were treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The organisation announced that the movement would continue despite the crackdown, and warned authorities that students and activists would intensify their agitation until justice is served.
