Dhaka: Multiple motorcycles, toll plaza booths on the adjacent Hanif Flyover, and a police box have been set on fire.
Six people, including a child, were shot during a violent clash between protesting students and the police during the quota reform movement in Shonir Akhra area in the capital’s Jatrabari on Wednesday evening.
The injured are- Sohag, 27, Faisal, 28, Mahim Ahmed Piyas,15, Monirul, 20, Rohid, 2, and Bablu Mia, 40.
According to locals, police have fired tear shells, and rubber bullets targeting the protesters.
Loud bangs and smoke engulfed the area which has triggered panic among the residents.
Locals have joined the protesters during clashes.
Multiple motorcycles, toll plaza booths on the adjacent Hanif Flyover and a police box have been set on fire and vandalized. Tyres could also be seen burning on the road.
Shahidul Islam, station officer, of Postogola Fire Service said at least one unit had reached the spot to douse the fire.
According to locals, police have fired teargas shells, and rubber bullets targeting the protesters.
The clashes have left many injured.
According to witnesses, police fired shotgun pellets and tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
After enforcing a day-long Dhaka-Chittagong highway blockade, clashes between police and students affiliated with the quota reform movement erupted in the evening.
The situation saw sporadic incidents of chase and counter-chase.
Jatrabari Police inspector (investigation) told reporters: “Local BNP-Jamaat people blocked the Dhaka-Chittagong highway using the students as shields. They were dispersed in the evening.”
He claimed that he did not know whether anyone was injured in the police firing.
Tension escalated in various parts of Dhaka on Wednesday as 50 individuals, including journalists, police officers, students, and bystanders, were injured and rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment amidst protests demanding quota reform.
