2 students shot in DU

Violent clashes erupted between quota reform agitators and police at Dhaka University (DU) on Wednesday afternoon. Police deployed tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and sound grenades to disperse the students, resulting in at least two students being shot and 15 people, including five journalists, injured.

The altercation took place in the VC Chatwar area of Dhaka University. The injured journalists and students were taken to Dhaka Medical College (DMK) Hospital for treatment. Among those injured were journalists Johnny Raihan and Akram Hossain from Daily Kalbela, Imran Hossain from Daily Alokit Pratidin, and Humayun Ahmed from News Prabhat. Samham TV cameraman Ratan also reported being beaten in the area.

Students Afsana Jui and Abdul Hannan Masud, who were among those shot, stated that they were peacefully leading a coffin procession following the Ghaibana Janaza when police attacked them with tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades from both sides.

A police officer who also sought treatment at DMK Hospital mentioned being beaten by angry students in the Neelkhet area. DMK police outpost in-charge Bachchu Mia confirmed that six journalists and two students are currently admitted to the hospital, with at least 30 people seeking treatment since the morning.

The clashes follow escalating tensions at Dhaka University over the quota reform movement. Protests began on Sunday night in response to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's comments during a press conference regarding her visit to China. The Prime Minister's remarks were perceived as labeling the quota reform activists as 'children or grandchildren of Rajakar,' sparking widespread demonstrations. On Tuesday, six protesters were killed in clashes, further intensifying the protests.