Clash erupts between police, anti-rape protesters at Shahbagh

A clash broke out between police and members of a group named "Bangladesh against rape and oppression", as they attempted to submit a memorandum to Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. 

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in front of Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka.

Earlier, the protesters had gathered at the Raju Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus and began marching towards Jamuna, demanding the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam and the establishment of fast-track tribunals to ensure justice for all rape cases. As the procession reached the Shahbagh area and approached the Intercontinental Hotel, police intercepted them, leading to a physical altercation. Several protesters and three police officers were injured in the clash.

Currently, the protesters are stationed at the Intercontinental intersection, with police also maintaining a presence in the area.

Students participating in the protest reported that Meghmallar Basu, President of the Dhaka University unit of the Chhatra Union, and Mahin Ahmed, its General Secretary, were injured during the scuffle.

Mozammel Haque, Organizational Secretary of the Dhaka University unit of Socialist Student Front, stated, “We are demanding the resignation of the Home Affairs Advisor, holding him responsible for the ongoing deterioration of law and order across the country. At the same time, we are calling for the formation of fast-track tribunals to ensure justice for the rape of the child in Magura and all other rape cases.”