DU bus vandalised during blockade by 7 colleges’ students

A Dhaka University bus was vandalised on Thursday at Science Lab intersection in the capital amid a blockade by students of seven government colleges, leaving at least two university students injured.

The incident occurred around 2:30 PM when the bus was stopped by the blockade, witnesses said. 

A confrontation reportedly broke out between students on the bus and the protesting college students.

As members of the university’s proctorial team arrived to escort the bus away, bricks were thrown from behind, shattering windows and damaging the vehicle’s exterior.

Assistant Proctor Rafiqul Islam confirmed that two windowpanes were broken and the outer body of the bus was damaged. 

He also said two Dhaka University students sustained injuries in the attack.

Later, around 4:00 PM, DU students staged a protest at Nilkhet intersection.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Literary Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Muhammad described the incident on Facebook, saying the attack on DU students and vandalism of the bus occurred “under the guise of a movement.” 

He called for those responsible to be identified through video footage and brought to justice.

The students of the seven colleges had blocked Science Lab and Technical Mor intersections, demanding the swift approval of the updated draft ordinance for Dhaka Central University. 

The blockade, which began after 12:30 PM, caused severe traffic congestion and disruption for the public.

Similar blockade programmes by the students had taken place at multiple locations in Dhaka on Wednesday.

SH