Attack on Students of the Anti-Discrimination Movement in Khulna

In Khulna, miscreants carried out an unprovoked attack on the students of the Anti-Discrimination Movement. The incident took place on Thursday, January 2, at 3 p.m., near the Zia Hall at the Shib Bari intersection of the city. Eight individuals were injured in the attack.

Among the injured, three, including a woman, are in critical condition. Two of them have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Khulna Medical College Hospital.

Sajidul Islam Bappi, the co-coordinator of the student movement, said, “We were leaving the Zia Hall area near the Shib Bari intersection on motorcycles when a group of miscreants suddenly attacked us with bricks, stones, and knives. Eight people, including Nazmul, Khalid, Sammie, Sadia, Diya, Rumi, and Ami, were injured. When the women came forward to protect us, they were also attacked. As a result, three, including Sadia and Diya, were seriously injured. Their condition is critical, and two are admitted to the ICU. We do not know who is carrying out the attacks or why.”

He further complained, “Incidents of shooting are happening every day in a city like Khulna. The law and order situation is deteriorating due to the administration’s negligence. We are frustrated with these situations. If the law and order situation in Khulna doesn’t improve, we will demand the resignation of the police commissioner and other responsible officials. We hope that before we take to the streets demanding their resignation, they will resign themselves.”

Rumi Rahman, a student of Government Brajalal (BL) College, stated, “We were discussing a matter among ourselves, with the girls standing to the side. Bappi and others were coming on motorcycles. At that time, a group of 16-17 people suddenly attacked us. We tried to protect the boys, but the attackers shamelessly turned on the girls. As a result, Sadia and Diya were seriously injured. I would like to say with respect for the law that the attackers should be brought under the law and punished based on proper evidence.”

Sheikh Munir ul Gias, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sonadanga Model Police Station, said, “From what I have heard initially, there was a quarrel and physical altercation after an event among themselves.”

At the time of the incident, someone present commented:

“Do not lie. I was nearby. There was a group conflict, and a fight broke out because of a verbal altercation. This was bound to happen. They will go to Dhaka and fight over group dominance. This is what happens, and why are they exaggerating? This is a minor incident from the morning, and no one is seriously injured. Stop creating drama.”

In response to the incident, Sajidul Islam Bappi, the Khulna coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Movement, has called for a torch procession at Shib Bari intersection at 7 p.m. to protest.