The Dhaka University administration has strongly condemned and protested the assault on two students who protested a vendor's harassment of a female student at the capital’s Chandni Chawk market.

The university administration has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure swift justice for those involved in the incident.


At the same time, the administration has issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken if anyone lays a hand on any university student in the future.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan visited the injured students at Shaheed Dr Mohammad Murtoza Medical Center on Tuesday.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan visited the injured students at Shaheed Dr Mohammad Murtoza Medical Center
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan visited the injured students at Shaheed Dr Mohammad Murtoza Medical Center. Photo: Dhaka Tribune
AKM Mahfuzul Haque, officer-in-charge of New Market police station, told Dhaka Tribune that they expect to be able to arrest the rest of the attackers by Tuesday night.

Two DU students, who protested after their female friend was harassed by the vendors from a shop in the New Market area's Chadni Chawk market, were they were attacked.

The students Shahedul Islam and Ayazur Rahman are from the 2023–24 academic year at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, and the Institute of Social Welfare and Research.

The students are severely injured and are receiving treatment currently.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), made by one of the victims, the incident took place around 8:35pm on Monday.

At around 9:15pm, one of the victims collapsed and was taken to a separate room on the market’s second floor, where he was allegedly beaten and threatened with death. The FIR includes charges of attempted murder, abduction, mugging, and other offences.

Three vendors of Chadni Chawk market have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of these students.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for the New Market Zone, Tarique Latif, said an FIR has been filed against four named vendors and 50 to 60 unnamed others.

According to AKM Mahfuzul Haque, officer-in-charge of New Market police station, the incident began when a female DU student visited the market to purchase an item. After bargaining, she left without buying anything.

"As she was leaving, some vendors allegedly hurled abusive remarks at her. When her friends confronted them about the harassment, they were attacked by a group of market vendors," he said.

ACP Latif added that along with the two severely injured students, 10 to 15 others also suffered minor injuries during the attack.