BCL leaders accuse quota protesters of attacking students at DU
Members of BCL launching an attack on quota protesters on DU campus. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS
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Members of BCL launching an attack on quota protesters on DU campus. Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS
Bangladesh Chhatra League leaders have accused quota protesters of attacking students who refused to join their rallies at Dhaka University’s Bijoy Ekattor Hall.
The leaders of the student wing of ruling Awami League came up with the claim amidst allegations of BCL attacks injuring over 100 quota protesters on Dhaka University campus today.
According to BCL leaders, the protesters, who claimed to be conducting a non-violent movement, were armed with sticks and rods.
Referring to visuals, Chhatra League leaders said protesters demanding quota reforms vandalised the front gate of the hall. Over 50 activists and general students were assaulted as they declined to join the quota protests, they said.
Citing media reports, they alleged that the protesters brought outsiders onto the campus and circulated a rumour from the base of the Raju Sculpture that students were locked in the hall. Subsequently, protesters armed with sticks rushed to the hall and attacked students who refused to join them, according to Chhatra League leaders.
“Over a dozen of our activists were injured, many with head injuries,” said Tanvir Hasan Saikat, general secretary of Chhatra League’s DU unit.
“How can they go on a rampage and yet call themselves peaceful?” he questioned.
Chhatra League Central Committee General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan described the incident as an attempt to destabilise the campus, claiming it was directed by Islami Chhatra Shibir and associated forces.
Referring to the historical role played by Dhaka University students during the Language Movement and Liberation War, Inan said, “How can they disregard the war crimes orchestrated on the campus by the Pakistan army facilitated by collaborators, and glorify war criminals?”
The Chhatra League leaders added that Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, has infiltrated the movement and is now trying to destabilise the situation on campus.
They said that with respect to the logical demand of quota protesters, Chhatra League stands with general students but opposes “hijacking” the movement.
