A clash broke out between police and quota reform protesters in the capital's Science Lab.
The clash erupted in the Science Lab intersection area at around 12:50pm on Thursday (18 July).
Police baton-charged the protesters and lobbed sound grenades at them. The protesters took positions in the Kalabagan and its nearby areas.
Earlier, Students from Dhaka College and Mohammadpur Government College took to the streets at Dhanmondi 27, blocking traffic as part of the nationwide quota reform movement's complete shutdown programme.
The protest began at 11:45am.
During that time, students chanted slogans in support of quota reforms.
Meanwhile, Awami League leaders and activists have positioned themselves in the Manik Mia Avenue and Asad Gate areas.
A significant number of RAB, police, and other law enforcement personnel were seen at the scene to maintain order.
Previously, in response to alleged police, BGB, RAB, and BCL attacks on their peaceful demonstrations, the quota reform activists announced new programmes demanding justice and a terror-free campus.
As part of these demands, a complete shutdown of all activities across the country was declared for 18 July.
The announcement was made at 7:30pm on Wednesday (18 July) by Asif Mahmud, a key coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the platform leading the quota reform protests.
Asif Mahmud stated, "We are calling for a nationwide complete shutdown in response to the heinous attacks on our peaceful protests by police, BGB, RAB, and SWAT. This is a fight for justice and a terror-free campus."
He further elaborated that during the shutdown, all establishments, except hospitals and emergency services, will remain closed, and no vehicles, except ambulances, will operate on the roads. He urged students from every school, college, university, private university, and madrasa to make the shutdown successful.
Addressing parents, he said, "We are your children. Stand by us and protect us. This struggle is not just for the students, but for the general populace of this country, irrespective of party affiliation."
