Clash at Sadarghat Terminal Leaves 9 Students Injured, 4 Arrested

At least nine students were injured and four arrested following a clash between students from Jagannath University (Jabi), Kabi Nazrul College, and Suhrawardy College, and the crew of the Sundarbans-12 launch at Sadarghat launch terminal in Old Dhaka.

The incident occurred around 8pm on Thursday night (7 August) at Sadarghat Terminal No. 1.

Injured Students:

All injured students received primary treatment at Sumona Hospital.

Incident Details:

Eyewitnesses reported that Nabil, a student from the 18th batch of Jagannath University’s Finance department, boarded the Sundarbans-12 launch bound for Barisal when the crew forcibly demanded he rent a cabin. When Nabil refused, a verbal altercation ensued, escalating to physical assault.

Upon learning of the incident, Nabil’s classmates and senior students rushed to the scene, only to be harassed by the launch crew as well.

Students allege that Kiran, a close associate of Suman Bhuiyan—lessee of Sadarghat and coordinator of the South Region Labour Party—along with his aides Azizul, Ramzan, Anis, Rafique, Kader, Rabbi, and Sagar, were involved in the attack.

In retaliation, angry students besieged and vandalised the Sundarbans-12 launch, disrupting the Dhaka-Barisal route and causing panic among passengers.

Rajib, a passenger bound for Barisal, stated, “After seeing a student being assaulted, we were terrified. Even with tickets in hand, we’re unsure if the launch will depart.”

Police Response:

Additional police were deployed following the incident. Four individuals have been detained so far, according to Moniruzzaman, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station.

He confirmed that the conflict began with a verbal dispute involving the students and that an investigation will proceed if a case is filed.

University Response:

Professor Dr. Md. Tajammul Haque, Proctor of Jagannath University, visited the site after being informed of the event.

Taking all factors into account, the students presented five demands, which they said must be met for the situation to be resolved:

1. Immediate arrest of Kiran
2. Arrest of his associates
3. Review of CCTV footage
4. Compensation for the mobile phones and wallets of affected students
5. Cessation of harassment of the public and the stopping of excessive charges by porters

This tense episode highlights ongoing issues of harassment and exploitation at Sadarghat terminal, impacting both passengers and students alike. Authorities and university officials have pledged to investigate and take necessary action to prevent such incidents in the future.