At least 20 people, including police, were injured in a series of clashes between protesters, police and Awami League supporters in Rajshahi city as the countrywide "Complete Shutdown" enforced by the quota protesters demanding quota system reform was observed.
Around 11am, Awami League activists gathered at Zero Point as per their pre-announced programme, while the protesters also assembled at the same location, reports our local correspondent.
Awami League activists then chased the protesters, turning several areas, including Rajshahi Zero Point, Rani Bazar, Aloka Mor, and New Market, into battlegrounds.
During the clashes, some 10 crude bombs were exploded.
At least five people from both sides were seriously injured and were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Around 1:00 pm, another clash occurred in front of Rajshahi Government Women’s College between the police and students.
During this incident, angry students vandalised a large police pickup truck, resulting in injuries to five police officers, two of whom were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Locals said the clash began when protesting students attempted to march towards Rajshahi Government Women’s College, and police tried to stop them.
The students threw bricks at the police, who responded with baton charges to disperse the crowd.
Besides the five injured police officers, several students were also injured due to the baton charges. The students then vandalised a large police pickup truck.
Additional police forces were deployed to the area to bring the situation under control.