Dhaka, 18 July — A dramatic rescue operation unfolded at the Canadian University of Bangladesh in Merul Badda, as a helicopter was dispatched to evacuate police officers trapped during clashes with protestors demanding quota reforms.

The incident occurred shortly before 3:00 PM on Thursday. Earlier in the day, protestors had gathered in front of BRAC University in Merul Badda around 10:30 AM. The situation quickly escalated, leading to confrontations with the police. By 11:15 AM, the protestors and police were engaged in a tense standoff, with officers attempting to disperse the crowd using tear gas.

As the situation worsened, police officers sought refuge inside the Canadian University of Bangladesh, while protestors took positions outside, blocking their exit. The standoff resulted in the vandalism of several shops and establishments in the vicinity. To extract the besieged officers, a helicopter was called in, providing a swift and dramatic rescue from the escalating violence.

The clashes caused significant disruptions to traffic in the Merul Badda area. By 11:00 AM, vehicular movement had come to a standstill, adding to the chaos and inconvenience for local residents and commuters.

The quota reform movement has seen increasing violence over recent days. Protestors are demanding changes to the government job quota system, a movement that has already led to multiple fatalities and widespread unrest across the country. The violent turn of events has prompted the government to initiate discussions with the agitators and consider reforms.

In response to the growing crisis, Law Minister Anisul Haque and Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel have been appointed to negotiate with the protest leaders. The government has also committed to judicial investigations into the violence and promised reforms in the quota system.

The unrest has drawn international attention, with the Indian High Commission advising its nationals to limit travel and stay indoors. Other countries, including the United States, have issued similar advisories to their citizens in Bangladesh.

As the quota reform protests continue to cause disruption and violence, the rescue of the trapped police officers by helicopter underscores the severity of the situation. The government's efforts to engage with protest leaders and restore order are ongoing, with the hope that a peaceful resolution can be achieved.