A wave of clashes have gripped the capital since this morning, plunging Dhaka residents into a state of anxiety. Clashes between protesters and police have erupted in various parts of the city, resulting in widespread disruption and violence.
Tension escalated with fires being set at BTV in Rampura, along with multiple police boxes being torched. Hundreds have been injured in the confrontations, and the death toll currently stands at three.
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Public transport in Dhaka is almost non-existent, with the few available buses and private cars largely empty. Both government and private offices, including the Bangladesh Secretariat, are eerily quiet, with significantly reduced attendance. The usual hustle and bustle of city life has come to a standstill.
At the Secretariat, even the Cabinet Committee meetings on economic and procurement issues, scheduled for 12 pm, were canceled without explanation. Additionally, a program featuring the Industries Minister at the International Convention City Bashundhara was called off due to "unavoidable reasons."
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On-the-ground reports and inquiries reveal that students from educational institutions such as United International University, North South University, and Independent University, Bangladesh gathered in areas like Notun Bazar, Bashundhara, Nadda, and Kuril, blocking roads and halting traffic flow between Kuril and Rampura Bridge.
Early in the morning, students blocked roads in Badda. Clashes erupted between students and police near BRAC University, with students from various schools, colleges, universities, madrasas, and medical colleges joining the fray.
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In Rampura, students from East West University took to the streets, leading to police baton charges and tear gas deployment. Meanwhile, Kakrail to Paltan saw student processions disrupting traffic. A procession from the Press Club circled Paltan and returned to Kadam Fountain in front of the Press Club, chanting slogans and blocking the road.
Malibagh and Abul Hotel intersection also witnessed student sit-ins. At Uttara's Zamzam Tower, a traffic police box was vandalized, and two buses were damaged amid ongoing skirmishes between protesters and police.
Further clashes were reported in Motijheel and Mirpur-10, which have turned into virtual battlegrounds. Fires were set at a police box in Rampura, and running battles occurred on the streets.
On the Dhaka-Chattogram highway near Kajla, repeated clashes between police and protesters took place. Police fired tear gas, while protesters hurled stones and wielded sticks. Jatrabari remains volatile after last night's fierce clashes and arson at the Hanif Flyover toll plaza.