Dhaka, July 18 — Violent clashes between protesters demanding quota reforms and police erupted in front of BRAC University in the capital's Merul Badda area on Thursday morning. The confrontation began around 10:30 am when the agitators, part of the anti-discrimination student movement, took up positions on the road in front of the university.

The situation escalated quickly as police attempted to remove the protesters from the road. In response, the protesters engaged in a chase with the police, who then resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd. The clash brought traffic to a standstill in the Merul Badda area and led to the vandalism of several shops and establishments during the melee.

The anti-discrimination student movement had announced a 'complete shutdown' program as a protest against recent attacks on their ongoing quota reform movement. The shutdown aimed to halt all activities except for hospitals and emergency services. The movement also declared that no vehicles, except ambulances, would be allowed on the roads.

The government has been closely monitoring the situation, with State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Junaid Ahmed Palak, earlier addressing the temporary mobile internet shutdown imposed to curb the spread of rumors and propaganda via social media. This move, aimed at ensuring public safety, has significantly slowed mobile internet speeds, causing widespread inconvenience.

As of now, the area around BRAC University remains tense with heavy police presence to maintain order. Authorities are working to clear the roads and restore normal traffic flow. The government continues to urge the public to stay patient and avoid areas of unrest.