Gonoshasthya Kendra: Outsiders clash with students, officials

A group of outsiders clashed with Gonoshasthya Kendra officials and Gono University students at the PHA Bhaban of Gonoshasthaya Kendra yesterday, leaving 12 people injured.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra officials alleged that the outsiders were led by plaintiffs of the several cases filed against Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, the founder of their organisation.

They said the outsiders entered the PHA Bhaban around 3:00pm and began verbally abusing its female security guards and students of Gono University.

When one of the guards protested, they physically assaulted her and at the same time some of the outsiders started throwing brick chips at Gonoshasthaya officials and Gono University students, leaving five of them injured, they claimed.

The injured were undergoing treatment at Gonoshasthaya Kendra Hospital, officials said.

However, Mohamad Ali, one of the plaintiffs, said Gonoshasthaya officials and Gono University students attacked them when they gathered at the PHA Bhaban -- which they claim is built on the land belonging to Cotton Textile Craft Ltd. -- to organise a press conference.

He said six of their injured men were taken to Savar Upazila Health Complex, while one was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition.

Denying Mohamad's allegations, Mir Murtoja Ali Babu, controller of examinations at Gono University, said a group of people were organising the press conference, blocking the main entrance of PHA Bhaban, while another group entered the Bhaban and began abusing the female security guards and students.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Moni Aktar, a paramedic student of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, said they were in fear of further attacks.

Rezaul Haque, officer in-charge of Ashulia Police Station, said after he heard the news of the clash, he sent a police team to the spot who brought the situation under control.

“I heard that Gono University students attacked Cotton Textile Craft Ltd men while they were holding a press conference,” he said.

On October 26, a group of people, allegedly led by the plaintiffs who recently filed cases against Zafrullah Chowhury, along with others, attacked Gonoshasthaya Kendra officials and students.

They also vandalised the PHA Bhaban, looted office equipment and physically assaulted and abused male and female students .