At least seven persons including a photo journalist were injured at Rajshahi University (RU) campus on Tuesday when police fired shots to disperse a motorbike procession of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Rajshahi (JCD) men from the spot in this connection. Among others, the injured were identified as JCD activists Shuvo, Asif, Sanowar, Shahabuddin Ahmed, a photo journalist of local daily Rajshahir Alo and a local trader Barikul Islam.
They were sent to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital and nearby private clinics for treatment. Five arrested JCD activists from the spot were identified as Rajshahi College JCD Office Secretary Masud Rana, activists Ehsan, Saikat, Mahfuj and Shahid.
Sources said, at around 11 am some leaders and activists of JCD lead by Abdullah Al Mamun, member of RU unit JCD convening committee riding on motorbike started a procession on the campus. Members of Law Enforcing Agency members closed RU Kazla gate and checked the students leaving campus after the procession.
At one stage of checking, the JCD men demanded themselves as the leaders and activists of JCD and asked for opening the entrance. During the altercation, police charged batons to disperse the leaders and activists of JCD from the scene. Agitated JCD men pelted brick bats on the law enforcers during the chase and counter chase took place.
The law enforcers had to open fire 15 to 20 rounds of rubber bullets to control the situation which left seven injured.
Police rounded up five activists along with eight motorbikes from the spot.
When contacted, RU unit JCD convener Arafat Reza Ashik informed the incident of indiscriminate fire of the law enforcers on JCD leaders and activists to the reporters. He said, JCD is not an outlaw organisation and the role of law enforcers was oppressive.
RU Proctor Professor Tarikul Hasan said, stern actions will be taken against anybody who wants to create unrest on the campus.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Motihar thana Ashit Kumar Ghose said, JCD activists with outsiders were trying to create anarchy on the campus. Police foiled their attempt by charging batons. Additional law enforcers were deployed to avert any untoward incident, he added.
-With The Independent input
