JUST students and locals clash following incident of female student harassment

A serious clash erupted between students of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) and local residents following an incident of eve-teasing involving a female student.

From Tuesday (25 November) evening until 9:30 pm, there were repeated chases across the campus. Five students were reported injured during the incident.

According to the university administration, on Tuesday evening, a female student went to a photocopy shop at Ambottola corner in front of the campus. The shopkeeper harassed her. Angered, a few students assaulted the shopkeeper. Local shopkeepers protested against this action, which escalated into a confrontation. They closed their shops and engaged in a chase with the students. At one point, residents from nearby villages Islampur, Shyamnagar, and Saziali joined the locals after hearing announcements over a microphone.

Both sides confronted each other with sticks. Stones and bricks were thrown on the Jashore-Chaugacha road. At least five students were injured. When students entered the campus, they set tyres on fire and protested on the road, causing severe traffic congestion. The local outpost, police, and military eventually brought the situation under control.

JUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Majid said locals attacked the students. At least five students were injured. It is not clear whether anyone was seriously hurt. The situation is now largely under control and the matter is being investigated.

Jashore Kotwali Model Police Station OC (Investigation) Kazi Babul Hossain said the law enforcement intervention restored order. The exact number of injured is currently unknown and will be reported later.

Khaborwala/TSN