Violent clashes erupted again in Dhaka’s Shonir Akhra and Jatrabari areas on Thursday involving quota reform protesters and law enforcement amid a dawn-to-dusk nationwide shutdown called by demonstrators.
The unrest began when protesters attempted to march from Shonir Akhra towards Jatrabari.
In response, law enforcement officials fired tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.
Witnesses reported intense skirmishes in Shonir Akhra, Kazla and Jatrabari, with protesters engaging in fierce confrontations with the police.
Clashes erupt at Science Lab during quota reform protestClashes erupt at Science Lab during quota reform protest
The violence peaked around 11:15am at the Mayor Hanif Flyover toll plaza in Jatrabari, where protesters hurled brickbats at the police, who retaliated with tear gas and sound grenades.
The clashes soon spread along the road from Kazla to Jatrabari.
Adding to the chaos, members of the Awami League and Jubo League allegedly joined forces with the police to suppress the demonstrators.
The turmoil brought traffic to a standstill on the flyover, leaving hundreds of vehicles stuck and forcing people to continue their journeys on foot.
On Wednesday night, clashes between protesters and police resulted in several, including a child, sustaining bullet injuries and one pedestrian’s death.
Comment: