UNB, Chattogram :
A violent clash between quota reform protesters and Chhatra League members in Chattogram’s Sholashohor to Muradpur area has resulted in the deaths of three individuals. Their bodies were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where authorities confirmed the fatalities.
Md. Saiful Islam, Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), confirmed the deaths of Akram, 24, a student of Chattogram College, and Faruq, 35, a pedestrian. The identity of the other deceased could not be known immediately. While marks of injuries were found on Faruq’s body, no visible injuries were observed on Akram’s body. The cause of Akram’s death remains unknown, according to the CMP Commissioner.
Responding to inquiries, CMP Commissioner Saiful Islam mentioned that it is still unclear where the deaths occurred as clashes erupted in multiple locations, including Sholosohor No. 2 Gate and Muradpur.
CMCH Director Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin earlier confirmed the deaths of Akram and Faruq to media.
Md Nure Alam Ashique, in-charge of the CMCH Police Outpost, said they have so far received three bodies.
The conflict turned the entire Sholashohor No. 2 Gate to Muradpur area into a battlefield with continuous chases and violent confrontations. The clash, which began around 4 pm today marked the second day of such violence.
Students from Chittagong University and various other educational institutions gathered at Sholashohor station at 3 pm as part of the ongoing quota reform movement. The clash with Chhatra League and Jubo League members erupted around 4 pm. Both sides engaged in throwing bricks and stones, causing the area to resemble a battlefield. Sporadic explosions of cocktails were reported, and some individuals were seen with weapons. However, law enforcement personnel were notably absent from the scene.
As of 5 pm, clashes were still ongoing in the Muradpur-Sholashohor area. Protesters claimed that while they were heading towards the Sholashohor area via Muradpur to carry out their program, Chhatra League leaders and activists attacked them. In self-defense, they retaliated, leading to the deaths of two people and injuries to several others.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the ongoing violence in the area.