Police Clash with Long Marchers Heading Towards Jamuna, Dozens Injured Including Teachers and Journalists

Dhaka, 14 May 2025 (BSS) – At least 50 people, including teachers, students, and journalists, were injured during a police crackdown on a long march heading towards Jamuna, demanding the fulfilment of three key demands. The police used batons, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse the protesters. Ten of the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

The incident occurred on Wednesday (14 May) when teachers and students reached the crossing near Kakrail Mosque, after passing through the Fish Building.

In protest of the police action, the teachers and students sat down in front of the mosque, facing Jamuna.

At around 11:30 am, more than 1,000 students from Jagannath University, accompanied by their teachers, set out for Jamuna. Their march first encountered resistance at the Gulistan Mazar Gate.

The group later faced another police blockade near the Fish Building but managed to overcome it and continue their march towards Jamuna. However, when they reached Kakrail Mosque Crossing, the police launched an unexpected assault, using batons, tear gas, sound grenades, and even hot water. As a result, at least 50 people were injured.

Among the injured were Dr. Mo. Rois Uddin, General Secretary of the University Teachers Association, and Mahatab Hossain Limon, General Secretary of the Journalists’ Association. Additionally, Sohan Faraji, a representative of Dhaka Tribune from Jagannath University, and Mehdi Hassan, a representative of Daily Sangbad, were also injured.

The injured, including Mahatab Limon and Mehdi, were sent to Dhaka Medical College for treatment.

Professor Dr. Mo. Rois Uddin, speaking on behalf of the protesters, said, “We will remain here until justice is served for the police attack on students and our demands are met.”

The Three Main Demands of the Protesters:

Housing Scholarship: A housing scholarship for 70% of Jagannath University students should be implemented from the 2025-26 fiscal year until proper housing arrangements are ensured.

University Budget Approval: The proposed full budget for Jagannath University for the fiscal year 2025-26 must be approved without any cuts.

Second Campus Approval: The construction of Jagannath University’s second campus should be approved at the next ECNEC meeting and included as a priority project.

Professor Dr. Tajammul Hossain, the University Proctor, condemned the police actions, saying, “Police have attacked my teachers and students, and even assaulted my assistant proctor. The police’s inhumane behaviour towards students fighting for their rights cannot go unpunished.”

The police also reportedly suffered injuries, with 20 members of the force injured during the clashes. District Commissioner Masudul Alam of the Ramna Zone remarked, “There is no chance of proceeding towards Jamuna at this time.”