Over 50 people, mostly students, were injured after police allegedly charged batons and fired rubber bullets in a mass procession organised by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Khulna on Friday afternoon.
The incident began at approximately 3:15 PM when a large procession of students reached the Gallamari area. Police stationed near Zero Point responded by firing tear gas into the crowd, triggering a confrontation.
The situation quickly escalated as students and police engaged in a series of chases and counter-chases. Bricks were reportedly thrown by the students, and local residents were seen joining forces with them. As the rally continued to advance, the police began to retreat, allowing the students to take up positions at Zero Point.
Tensions flared once again at around 4:00 PM when a second round of clashes erupted as law enforcers attempted to disperse the gathered students at Khulna University.
Students alleged that the police have been persistently firing tear gas and rubber bullets at them, further intensifying the conflict.
Al Shahriar, one of the agitating students, claimed that the police unnecessarily fired tear gas and rubber bullets at their peaceful procession leaving many students injured.
Some of the injured were taken to the Medical College Hospital. The exact number will be informed later, he added.
Till 7 pm on Friday, 11 people including 7 people were admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital with bullet wounds (rubber bullets and shotgun pellets). Among them, four are in critical condition. "More people suffering from injuries are coming."
Several members of the police were injured in this incident. They have been admitted to the police hospital. The condition of a police car driver who was seriously injured is critical.
Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mozammel Haque said that the students were supposed to carry out the program peacefully. But they attacked the police leaving many injured.
They were admitted to the police hospital. One of the cops who was driving was seriously injured, added the commissioner.
At this time, angry protesters also set fire to a police pickup.