In Jamalpur, two Chhatra League leaders were seen chasing protesting students while armed with firearms. One of them is Shahriya Islam, also known as Rafi, the office secretary of the Chhatra League branch at Jamalpur Government Ashik Mahmud College, and the other is Nafizur Rahman, also known as Tushar, a Chhatra League activist without any official position.
Around 3 PM today, in the New High School area of the city, these individuals were seen pursuing students with firearms. The procession of the anti-discrimination student movement was dispersed by the chasing of leaders and activists from the Awami League and its affiliated organizations.
Photos of the two armed individuals have spread on social media. Nafizur’s residence is in the Pathalia area of the city, and local residents have confirmed their identities.
Earlier, around 3 PM, leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League gathered at the district Awami League office in the Bakultola area. Police obstructed the protesting students from passing through that road. As a result, the protesters gathered in the New High School area and began chanting slogans. The leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League then chased the students with firearms and sticks, leading to the dispersal of the protesters. During this, the two youths were seen openly carrying weapons while pursuing the protesters.
The accused individuals have not yet been available for comment. Attempts to reach Khabirul Islam Khan, the district Chhatra League president, were unsuccessful as he did not answer multiple calls.
Muhammad Mahabbat Kabir, the officer-in-charge of Jamalpur Sadar Police Station, told Prothom Alo, “At that time, there was a counter-chase between both sides. There was no opportunity to observe individuals closely. I cannot confirm if anyone was armed, but if there are photos, verification can be done. If someone is found with a weapon, the matter will be investigated and legal action will be taken.”
