Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Calls for Nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement
Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a significant escalation of the ongoing anti-quota protests, demonstrators chased Awami League leaders and workers at Shahbagh on Sunday, resulting in widespread vandalism. The anti-discrimination student movement had called for a nationwide non-cooperation movement, with protests taking place across the country.
Around 11 AM, hundreds of people wielding sticks gathered at Shahbagh intersection. They arrived from Old Dhaka in a procession that started after 10:30 AM. At that time, Awami League leaders and workers were chanting slogans in front of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). However, they were chased by the procession coming from Old Dhaka, forcing them to take refuge inside the hospital. As of 11 AM, clashes were ongoing.
During the clash, several vehicles parked on the hospital premises were vandalized. Awami League leaders and workers who had taken shelter inside the hospital were seen throwing bricks and stones.
Protesters chanted slogans demanding answers from the administration, including “Why did my brother die? We demand answers from the administration.”
Earlier in the morning, small groups of two or three protesters passing through Shahbagh were beaten by Chhatra League leaders and workers. Later, the protesters regrouped and returned in larger numbers. Notably, there was no police presence in the Shahbagh area during the incident.
A police vehicle in the Shahbagh Thana area was seen moving away as the protesters approached.
