Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N) – A massive clash broke out between Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) students and police in the capital on Wednesday, leaving several students and police personnel injured.

Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Ramna Division, claimed that some students were armed with "hexa-type knives," which caused injuries to police officers during the confrontation.

Speaking to reporters in the afternoon, DC Masud Alam said police had shown restraint despite heavy public suffering due to the students’ blockade at Shahbagh intersection. “Even at such an important intersection, we did not tell them, ‘Brother, leave from here,’ although people were suffering a lot,” he said.

He added that the ministry had already issued a notification addressing some of the students’ demands, and that discussions with their leadership were ongoing. Students reportedly agreed to wait half an hour for the notification before deciding on further action.

Sequence of Events
According to the police account, the clash erupted when students suddenly advanced towards the Intercontinental intersection en route to the chief advisor’s official residence (Jamuna). Police attempted to block them, initially using “gentle and peaceful” measures. When that failed, water cannons were deployed.

The DC said protesters threw large amounts of bricks at police. “They had hexagon-type knives, due to which some policemen were injured,” he alleged.

During the confrontation, both students and police sustained injuries. “I cannot say for sure the exact number of injured. Some went to hospitals, while others may have left after receiving first aid,” the DC noted.

Security Concerns
On security at Jamuna, the DC said: “If the protesters go to the residence of the chief advisor, the police will have nothing more to do. Then the government may well say, ‘If you cannot ensure security here, there is no need for you to do any work.’”

The BUET students have been protesting with a three-point demand, including the abolition of quotas for diploma engineers in Grade-9 and Grade-10 positions and legal action against the unauthorized use of the title "Engineer."

END/SMA/AJ