Quota reform protesters force BCL leaders to leave Ruqayyah Hall
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At least six people were killed and dozens were injured today (16 July) as clashes took place during nationwide protests demanding the abolition of quota in government jobs.
Meanwhile, hundreds of quota reform protesters from private universities and colleges in Dhaka city blocked various roads in the capital, including Pragati Sarani, Motijheel Shapla Chattar, Uttara, and Beribadh roads this morning.
Quota protesters also blocked highways and railways across the country, including in Cumilla, Gazipur, Kushtia, Chattogram, and Rangpur, in protest of attacks on students during yesterday's protest and the reformation of the quota system.
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The widespread demonstrations began this morning following violent attacks on quota protesters at public universities across the country yesterday (15 July). Over 300 students were injured in the attacks on quota protesters allegedly by the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists on university campuses, according to the movement coordinates, doctors, and university officials.
Here are the live updates reported by our correspondents since Tuesday morning to Wednesday midnight.
1:10am
A clash took place inside Ruqayyah Hall of Dhaka University between BCL members and quota protesters, according to witnesses.
Members of BCL have been forced to leave the hall by protesters following the clashes, students and journos present at the spot said.
The incident took place around 11:00pm Tuesday.
Meanwhile, students of Rokeya Hall have decided to declare the hall "politics-free", according to a written statement seen by TBS.
Hall Provost Professor Dr Nelofar Parvin has signed the statement.
The decision was taken by the hall students around 1:30am.
1:00am
At least 12 law enforcement officials were injured in an attack by protesters during the ongoing quota reform movement, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Deputy Commissioner KN Niyati Ray claimed today (17 July).
12:50am
The identity of another person who was killed has been identified through fingerprints by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The deceased was identified as Sabuj Ali, 25, son of Badsha Ali of Sadar upazila in Nilphamari.
New Market Police Station Sub-Inspector Mahbub Ali confirmed the matter today.
12:30am
Quota protesters will hold gaybana janaza and coffin procession tomorrow (17 July) at 2:00pm at the base of Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University for the people killed in today's "attacks and firing by police and Chhatra League", said Asif Mahmud, one of the coordinators of the anti-quota movement.
The coordinators also urged students to hold similar programmes in districts and educational institutions across the country.
11:10pm
Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur has been declared closed indefinitely.
All students have been asked to vacate the three dormitories by noon tomorrow (17 July).
The decision was made at a syndicate meeting chaired by the university Vice-Chancellor Hasibur Rashid on Tuesday (16 July) night.
The university's Additional Director of Public Relations, Muhammad Ali, confirmed the closure, attributing it to the volatile situation on campus following the death of student Abu Saif during the quota reform protests.
10:50pm
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has declared that all public and private universities across the country will remain closed until further notice.
The UGC made the announcement in a statement issued tonight (16 July) amid violent clashes between quota protesters and police, BCL and Jubo League.
10:30pm
The National University has ordered all colleges affiliated with it to remain closed until further notice.
The public relations department of the university announced the decision in a press release tonight (16 July).
10:30pm
BNP, alliance partners to hold gayebana janaza for slain quota protesters
The leaders and activists of BNP and its alliance partners will hold gayebana janazas across the country tomorrow (17 July) for the students killed in the quota reform movement.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programme at a press conference after a meeting with the leaders of Ganatantra Mancha at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office today.
9:55pm
The protest for quota reform will continue tomorrow, Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the anti-quote student movement, told journalists at a press brief, after ending demonstration for the day.
He, however said the programmes for tomorrow will be announced later tonight.
DU is the last of the major universities to end the protest today.
9:40pm
Man who died with injuries suffered near Dhaka College used to sell floor mats
One of the two men, who died during clashes between protesters and BCL, has been identified as Shahjahan, 24.
Shahjahan used to sell floor mats near the Balaka cinema hall in the New Market area of the capital, the deceased's relatives said at the DMCH morgue after identifying the body.
He was initially taken to Popular Medical College at around 6:00pm with grievous injuries by others who found him lying on the footpath in front of the Dhaka City College, DMCH Police Outpost In-Charge Bacchu Mia told journalists earlier on the day.
He was later was taken to DMCH where the on-duty doctors pronounced him dead at 7:00pm," Bacchu Miah said. The identity of the deceased could not be identified immediately.
9:34pm
BGB said it has deployed members in front of the Jahangirnagar University's main entrance to ensure smooth traffic on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway.
9:20pm
RAB said it has rescued Begum Rokeya University's vice chancellor and six teachers from the VC's residence and took them to Rangpur Circuit House.
9:10pm
Two buses were set on fire in front of the National Press Club, our correspondent reports. It could not known immediately who torched the buses.
9:00pm
HSC exam postponed
The Ministry of Education has postponed the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations for all boards scheduled for next Thursday (18 July).
The ministry announced in a statement issued this (16 July) evening due to the ongoing quota reform movement and concerns about the safety of students.
Earlier, the ministry announced that all secondary, higher secondary, and polytechnic institutions will remain closed until further notice.
8:40pm
Schools, colleges, polytechnics closed indefinitely
The education ministry has announced that all primary and secondary schools, colleges and polytechnic institutions will remain closed until further notices are issued.
The ministry said this in a statement issued this evening amid deadly clashes between quota protesters and police, BCL and Jubo League.
Educational institutions will remain closed tomorrow on the occasion of Ashura. The institutions are supposed to open Thursday ahead of the weekend.
8:30pm
JU students fear BCL attack again tonight, preparing to respond
Students at the Jahangirnagar University fear that they might be attacked by BCL members tonight.
Speaking to TBS over the phone, Arif Sohel, one of the coordinators of the quota reform movement at JU, said, "Ordinary students are taking preparations to tackle any attacks from the BCL tonight. Students are taking positions on the campus with sticks and batons.
"We have information that BCL activists might attack students using firearms. We have taken strong positions in the halls. All attacks on ordinary students will be foiled."
8:00pm
BGB members deployed in the New Market area of Dhaka where clashes are still ongoing between BCL members and quota protesters.
Also, BGB members have been deployed in Gazipur and Rangpur, Shariful Islam, public relations officer at BGB headquarters, said in a press statement.
7:55pm
Reports are coming from the Dhaka University area that people are facing disruptions in mobile internet connections.
Officials of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) did respond to requests for comments on the matter.
7:44pm
Alleged members of AL political wings attack RU students after protest ends
Alleged members of different political wings- BCL, Jubo League, Swechasebak League- have launched an attack on quota protesters at RU after the students had returned to their halls ending demonstration for the day, our correspondent reports.
7:41pm
Another dead in Dhaka
Another person has died in clashes between quota reformists and BCL members in Dhaka.
He was initially taken to Popular Medical College at around 6:00pm with grievous injuries by others who found him lying on the footpath in front of the Dhaka City College, DMCH Police Outpost In-Charge Bacchu Mia told journalists.
He was later was taken to DMCH where the on-duty doctors pronounced him dead at 7:00pm," Bacchu Miah said.
The identity of the deceased could not be identified immediately.
7:20pm
Protest ends at RU
Protesters have ended their programme for the day at the Rajshahi University, our correspondent reports, adding that students have already returned to their halls. Earlier they blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway.
7:15pm
Agitated protesters allegedly torched the Mohakhali traffic police box in the capital this afternoon, police have claimed.
"Police had to fire tear shells to disperse the agitators. Armoured personnel carrier vehicles are also patrolling the area," Ariful Islam Rony, assistant commissioner of Mohakhali traffic zone told TBS.
Around 6pm, the police clashed with the protesters. At one stage of the clash, police boxes were set on fire and motorcycles were burnt.
The protesting students took position at Mohakhali bus terminal and the police took position at Amtali. The two sides chased each other. Students threw bricks and stones and the police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.
After almost half an hour of conflict, the situation became calm and traffic was moving on one side of the road.
6:45pm
Protest ends at JU
Protesters at Jahangirnagar University called off their programmes for the day at 5:00pm and withdrew their blockade of Dhaka-Aricha Highway. Students from adjacent schools, colleges and universities, who joined the JU protesters earlier on the day, have begun to leave the university campus since 5:00pm.
6:25pm
Teachers at Jahangirnagar University have expressed solidarity with the quota protesters and condemned attacks on the students by alleged members of BCL last midnight.
The JU Teachers Association expressed the solidarity this afternoon in a statement
6:40pm
BCL said they won't leave the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture, our correspondent reports from the spot.
"We will keep the area under our control no matter what," one of the leaders said as quota protesters announced that they will move towards the sculpture area.
6:25pm
Three platoons of BGB members have been deployed in Chattogram, BGB Chattogram-8 Battalion Commander Lt Col Shahed Minhaj Siddiqui told TBS in the evening.
He said BGB members are patrolling the Muradnagar, Oxygen and Pahartali areas.
6:20pm
Death toll rises to five as another killed in Ctg; scores injured
At least one more person has died in Chattogram as police, BCL and Jubo League clash with quota protesters, police have said.
With this, the death toll in the port city during the protest today has risen to 3, Chattogram Metropolitan Police's Additional Deputy Commissioner (South) Md Ashraful Karim told TBS in the evening.
"As of 6:15pm, at least three people have died. Scores have been injured. Many policemen have also been injured. Details on their numbers cannot be confirmed as of yet," he said.
6:03pm
Quota protesters chanting slogans in central Shaheed Minar at DU.
Naid Islam, one of the coordinators of movement, said they plan to bring out a procession from there to the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture in the TSC area of the university, where BCL has taken position.
6:01pm
BGB deployed
The Border Guard Bangladesh, in a press statement in the evening, said platoons of BGB members have been deployed in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram and Bogura.
Among the districts, at least four platoons of BGB members have been deployed in Rajshahi and two platoons in Bogura amid the reports of deadly clashes between quota protesters, police and political wings - BCL, Jubo League- of the ruling Awami League, the Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner of BGB Dewan Md Humayun Kabir has confirmed to TBS.
TBS immediately could not confirm how many platoons were deployed in Dhaka and Chattogram.
5:50pm
Protest ends for the day in Cumilla
Protesters at Cumilla University have ended their protest for the day and withdrew the blockade on adjacent Dhaka-Cumilla Highway, our correspondent reports.
Protesters said they will announce their next programmes after discussing with central coordinators of the movement.
5:50pm
Railway disrupted
Agitating students demanding quota reforms have blocked rail lines at several locations, including Dhaka's Mohakhali, leading to a halt in train services.
According to railway officials, at least nine trains have been stranded in and out of the capital since 4:30pm.
Kamalapur Station Master Anwar Hossain informed TBS, "At least six trains, including the Rajshahi Express, Chottola Express, Suborna Express, and Sirajganj Express, are stuck at Kalampur Station. Additionally, three trains heading towards Dhaka, namely the Banalata Express, Chilahati Express, and Silk City Express, are stranded on the tracks midway."
5:45pm
Student killed in Dhaka amid quota reform protests
A 25-year-old male was killed after being injured in a clash allegedly between members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and quota reform activists near Dhaka College in the capital.
This afternoon, he was brought to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the on-duty doctor declared him dead, Inspector Bachchu Mia, in charge of the DMCH police outpost, confirmed the matter to TBS.
The identity of the deceased could not be confirmed immediately.
5:30pm
Quota reform movement turns violent in Bogura
Protests in Bogura demanding reforms to the quota system have turned violent, as clashes broke out between students and members of the ruling party's student wing, Chhatra League in the city's Satmatha area.
"The police are not interfering in the students' protest at this time. Necessary action will be taken regarding the incident at Satmatha as per the instructions of the higher authorities," Bogura Sadar Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Shahinuzzaman told The Business Standard.
One journalist and one student were injured in the violence, according to media reports.
5:30pm
Protest ends at Barishal University
Protesters have ended their protest at Barishal University and withdrew their blockade of the adjacent roads. At 5:30pm, they moved from the Nathullabad Bus terminal area, restoring traffic movement in the Barishal city.
The protesters, however, announced that they will again demonstrate from 10am tomorrow.
5:15pm
Quota reform protesters have blocked off the Kushtia-Jhenaidah Highway near the Mojompur Rail Gate area in Kushtia. The blockade began at around 3:30pm with hundreds of students from Kushtia District School. Later students from the Islamic University and other adjacent educational institutions joined the school students.
5:00pm
Two dead, several injured in Ctg
At least two people were killed during a clash between quota protesters and activists of BCL and Jubo League in Chattogram.
Their bodies have been sent to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), the hospital's Director Brigadier General Md Tasleem Uddin confirmed to TBS this afternoon.
At least nine other injured students have also been brought to the hospital, he said, adding that the wounded are being treated at various wards of the hospital.
Meanwhile, CMCH's Emergency Department officials said among the deceased, one is a student, and another is a pedestrian.
4:30pm
Student dies at quota protest in Rangpur
A student has died reportedly during a clash between quota reform protest and police in Rangpur today (16 July).
The deceased was identified as Abu Saif, a student of the 12th batch of the Department of English Department of Begum Rokeya University.
The Dean of the Management Department of the university Dr Matiur Rahman confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.
4:28pm
Chase and counter-chase between protesters and the Chhatra League activist has begun in Chankarpool.
4:20pm
Reports have been coming out of students being injured in clashes between the BCL and quota protesters. Photos coming out of the spot shows injured students being carried by others.
4:16pm
Quota protesters take positions in front of the Central Shaheed Minar at DU. Students from adjacent universities and colleges are joining them.
4:14pm
Why are AL leaders on DU campus?
Leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League have also joined the BCL rally in front of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University.
They have been in position for a few hours. Speaking to The Business Standard, Dhaka South Ward-21 Councilor Mohammad Asaduzzaman said, "We have taken a position here so that no one can create any untoward situation. If the agitators do any activity that affects the movement of people, we will suppress it strictly. It is better if they protest peacefully, otherwise we will look into the matter."
4:13pm
DU proctorial body conducting drive against outsiders; confiscating any weapons
The DU proctorial body is conducting a drive against outsiders on the campus. At around 4:00pm in the afternoon, the Teacher Student Committee, under the leadership of the DU proctor, started the campaign to identify outsiders and detain them.
Meanwhile, when The Business Standard inquired about the Chhatra League rally at the foot of the Raju sculpture, the proctor said, "We are conducting our own operation without law-and-order forces. We are doing our best. We are asking the outsiders to leave. We are also confiscating any sticks and weapons that we find people carrying."
4:05pm
BCL, Jubo League and Awami League men, alongside police, can be seen gathering in Chankarpool. Meanwhile, quota reform activists have congregated on Shahidullah Hall and Shaheed Minar. The two sides are facing each other off. Although no fights have broken out, the situation is tense.
3:50pm
Quota reform protesters drive Chhatra League activists away from rally point in Ctg
The Chhatra League and quota protesters clashed in the port city again today (16 July) around 3:30pm.
The clash took place in the city's Muradpur area. The Business Standard reporter at the scene can confirm that at least 10-12 people were injured during the round of violence.
The protestors were supposed to protest at 3:30pm at the city's Sholoshahar Station.
But before noon, leaders and activists of Chhatra League, Jubo League and other organisations took positions in front of the railway station under the leadership of Nurul Azam Roni, former general secretary of the city unit of Chhatra League.
After hearing about the BCL gathering, protesters instead began their rally in Muradpur.
Then around 3:30pm, the Chhatra League took out a procession there as well. Brickbats were thrown and homemade bombs were exploded.
At one point, the Chhatra League retreated and fled.
Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi, coordinator of the ongoing quota reform movement in Chittagong University, said, "The agitators have taken up position in Muradpur because the Chhatra League has taken over our pre-arranged place. But they came to Muradpur and attacked the students. Later, in the face of students' anger, the BCL fled."
Santosh Kumar Chakma, officer-in-charge of Panchlaish police station, said additional police have been deployed at the scene.
"We are trying to avoid conflict."
The Business Standard is trying to contact the relevant Chhatra League leaders.
3:49pm
BCL members have gathered in the TSC area of Dhaka University for their pre-announced rally. Many of them can be seen standing with sticks in their hands and helmets on their head. The student wing of the ruling Awami League began its protest rally at 3:45pm. BCL activists from Dhaka Metropolitan North, Dhaka College, Titumir College and other units have joined the programme.
3:45pm
A number of homemade bombs can be heard going off in the Science Lab area as activists of the BCL and Jubo League clash.
3:40pm
4 JnU student shot
At least four students of Jagannath University were shot and wounded during demonstrations near the campus, demanding reform in quota system, UNB reports.
Some students brought out a protest procession from the university around 3:30 pm, UNB wrote.
Citing witnesses, the news agency added that when they were marching towards Ray Saheb Bazar gunshots were fired from an alley, leaving four students wounded.
"We have heard the news of the shooting. But we saw only one group marching. we did not see the attacker," Kotwali Zone Assistant Commissioner Nazrul Islam told TBS when asked about the matter.
3:32pm
Chase and counter-chase between protesters and alleged BCL men can be seen in Dhaka's Science Lab area.
3:15pm
Quota reform protesters gathered in front of Shahidullah Hall of Dhaka University. Students are gathering in various locations of DU with batons and indigenous weapons.
Journalists are being interrogated if they are seen taking out their phones or cards. Students are also checking their phone.
2:52pm
In the capital's Science Lab area, clashes are going on between BCL and students of Dhaka College and City College.
2:20pm
BCL activists are gathering in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University.
2:10pm
The airport area was blocked by 400-500 students of Northern University.
2:00pm
City College students marched towards New Market from TSC in a procession.
1:40pm
Students from various schools and colleges in the capital's Science Lab and Dhanmondi areas, both in uniform and civilian dress, took to the streets to protest the country's quota system.
1:30pm
Hundreds of students from the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) and Ahasanullah University gathered at Nabisco intersection and blocked the route from Mohakhali to Satrasta, confirmed SM Arif Raian, assistant commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Tejgaon Industrial Area Zone.
1:05pm
Abu Sayem, assistant commissioner (AC) of the Gulshan traffic zone, told TBS that the blockage of various city roads by private university students has caused severe traffic congestion. The situation was compounded by a group of protesters blocking the Kakoli crossing.
1:00pm
Students from Notre Dame College (NDC) joined the quota reform protest and occupied Shapla Chattar in Motijheel. Wearing their college uniforms, they sat on the street, blocking traffic on both sides of the road in the city's major commercial area.
12:50pm
While some students from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology blocked the Tejgaon-Gulshan link road, many anti-quota protesters took to the streets at various points in Uttara.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Traffic Division Kamaruzzaman confirmed that vehicular movement in the area has slowed down significantly due to protesters blocking several points along Uttara's roads.
"Students have blocked roads at multiple locations, including Kawla and Azampur bus stand," he said.
12:30pm
Anti-quota protesters from other private universities - including the North South University (NSU), Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), and International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) - gathered in front of Jamuna Future Park in the capital's Kuril.
12:00pm
Bangladesh Chhatra Shibir brought out a procession in Motijheel's Shapla Chattar protesting yesterday's attack on students.
11:30am
Students from Ulab University blocked the Beribadh road (between Gabtoli and Mohammadpur). This resulted in traffic congestion chocked roads from Gabtoli to Dhanmondi via Mahammadpur in the capital.
Mohammadpur police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Mahfuzul Haque Bhuiyan confirmed the matter and said additional police forces have been deployed in the area.
"We are trying to convince them to leave the road," he added.
10:45am
A group of protesters from Brac University, seen chanting slogans against the quota system in government jobs, staged a sit-in and blocked traffic towards Notun Bazar.
Confirming the situation, Badda Zone Assistant Police Commissioner Shubo Ghosh said, "The students of Brac University have taken to the streets in front of the entrance of the university's new campus in Merul Badda. As a result, traffic on the road has come to a standstill."
Earlier yesterday, protesters from DU alleged that BCL men attacked them inside the DMCH where they had taken their injured friends.
A DMCH doctor, on condition of anonymity, told TBS that at least 250 students have taken treatment at the hospital since yesterday afternoon.
Dr Mohammad Zabed Hossain, acting provost of DU's Shahidullah Hall, said he called for help during the "Chhatra League attack" on the protesting students at the dormitory but received no response.
Similar attacks were reported on students protesting for the reform of the quota system in government jobs at Jahangirnagar University, Chattogram University, Rajshahi University, Islamic University in Kushtia, and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology.
At least 60 were injured in an attack on protesting students of Jahangirnagar University yesterday, Chief Medical Officer of the university Shamsur Rahman said.
At least two photojournalists, Daily Star's Senior Photographer Prabir Das and Daily Prothom Alo's Staff Photographer Dipu Malakar, were also hurt in attacks by alleged members of BCL.
Meanwhile, in a counter allegation, BCL leaders accused quota protesters of attacking students who refused to join their rallies at Dhaka University's Bijoy Ekattor Hall.
According to BCL leaders, the protesters, who claimed to be conducting a non-violent movement, were armed with sticks and rods.
BCL leaders alleged that Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, has infiltrated the movement and was now trying to destabilise the situation on campus.
The attacks continued throughout the day on the campus with a significant police presence observed following the incident.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has written to vice-chancellors of various universities urging them to implement the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court's observation that the quota reform protesters should return to class.
Earlier on the day, the quota protestors gathered in front of Raju Sculpture on Dhaka University campus to hold a rally protesting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks about the movement demanding quota reform.
Claiming that the Prime Minister's comments were insulting, agitating students, including on the Dhaka University campus, announced a fresh protest yesterday at 12pm after they demonstrated for around two hours the previous night.
Students from Dhaka University, Jagannath University, Buet, Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Dhaka Medical College joined the protest programme.
BCL members also gathered at the TSC area of the Dhaka University campus as they began their pre-announced rally.
Earlier on Sunday night, BCL President Saddam Hossain announced that the student wing will hold a sit-in programme at the Raju Memorial Sculpture to protest against what they see as an insult to the spirit of the liberation war.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said yesterday the BCL is ready to respond to the audacity of anti-quota protesters last night in their respective university campuses.
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said a group is trying to turn the anti-quota movement into an anti-state movement.
Speaking at a press conference in Shegunbagicha area of the capital this afternoon, he said, "An attempt is being made to turn the anti-quota movement into an anti-state, anti-government movement by using the sentiments of young students. The government will not allow any unstable situation to develop."
Attacks continued after evening
Attacks on protesting students were reported on several university campuses even after the evening.
At least 10 people were injured as protesters at Jahangirnagar University came under attack allegedly by BCL men at around 7:15pm. At around 8.30m, at least six students of Rajshahi University were injured in an attack.
In protest of the attacks throughout the day, students at various universities staged processions, with Barishal University students blocking the Barishal-Kuakata Highway.
In the early hours today, BCL members allegedly attacked quota reform protesters at the University of Chittagong, Jahangirnagar University, and the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) during demonstrations, the protesters claimed.
