Police will not stop the flow of students in Chittagong

In a show of unity, people from various classes and professions gathered at the Newmarket Mor area of Kotwali police station in Chittagong city to demand justice for the murder of students. The protest, which began on Saturday noon, saw a large influx of students who filled the Newmarket Junction by 3:30 PM. Protesters continuously arrived through various roads, bolstering the crowd.

The demonstrators, including students and parents, chanted slogans calling for justice for their slain classmates. The movement also saw support from rickshaw pullers and other professionals who clapped in solidarity with the students.

An official from the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP), speaking on condition of anonymity, informed Dhaka Post that the police would not obstruct the day's movement. "Students will be able to follow their own schedule. However, we request that they refrain from any violent activities. Saboteurs are under surveillance," the official stated.

Saif Uddin, a student protester, expressed his grief and anger to Dhaka Post, saying, "The government killed innocent classmates by using the law and order forces. According to the media, they died of lethal bullets. What will happen if our demand is accepted after so much loss of life? We want our classmates back." He also mentioned that he faced no police obstruction while coming from the Baklia police station area.

The anti-discrimination student movement coordinators in Chittagong had announced the protest on Facebook and WhatsApp, urging people to join the protest marches on Saturday in response to the attacks and killings of peaceful student demonstrators nationwide. They also called for an all-out non-cooperation movement for an indefinite period starting Sunday. The Newmarket intersection in Chittagong was specified as the venue for Saturday’s protest.

This mass protest underscores the growing discontent among students and the general public regarding the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations, and it highlights the demand for accountability and justice in Bangladesh.