Students’ demo comes under attack in Rajshahi

Activists of Chhatra League (BCL) today allegedly attacked students observing a hunger strike, demanding immediate reopening of educational institutions in Rajshahi city.

The demo came under attack at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point around 12:30pm, forcing the students to end their daylong programme, police and witnesses said.

However, Rajshahi city unit of BCL denied the allegation.

Nadim Sinha, one of the agitating students, said, they began the hunger strike around 11:00am and they were scheduled to end it around 6:00pm.

Between this, they wanted to bring out processions, and hold a rally. But around 12:30pm, some 30 youths swooped on the students.

Ishtiak Ahmed, another student, said, "They started with beating up the person who rented out the loudspeaker."

He said policemen were standing by when the attackers were beating the students.

Some local BCL activists were among the attackers, he alleged.

Nur Md Siam, president of Rajshahi city BCL, said there is no reason for BCL to attack the students' programme as they are also demanding the same.

"Although we did not hold any protest, but we too want immediate reopening of educational institutions. We have no reason to attack them," he said.

Police should investigate the incident and find out the attackers.