Violent clashes between students and police in the capital Dhaka and other parts of the country have resulted in at least 10 fatalities amid ongoing quota reform protests on Thursday (18 July).
Fatalities have been reported in Uttara, Dhanmondi, Badda, Savar, and Madaripur.
Uttara
At least six individuals have been killed and over a hundred injured during clashes between protesting students and law enforcement forces in the Uttara and Azampur areas of the capital.
The violent confrontation saw police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) engaging with the students on Thursday (18 July) morning.
Kuwait Maitree Hospital Director Mizanur Rahman confirmed four fatalities.
Meanwhile, Dr Sabbir Ahmed, the principal of Uttara Adhunik Medical College, told the media that a student, fatally injured in the clashes, was brought to their hospital at around 12:15pm. Later he succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased student was identified as a student of Northern University, and his body was later claimed by his family.
He also reported that over a hundred injured students arrived at the hospital, many of whom were treated and discharged. By 3pm, approximately 30 students remained hospitalised.
Orthopaedic specialist Dr Mahmudul Hasan of Uttara Crescent Hospital said that more than 400 protesters received treatment at their facility, with one fatality reported whose identity remains unknown.
He added that 10-12 students suffered eye injuries and were referred to Bangladesh Eye Hospital.
The clashes erupted at around 11am near the BNS Centre in Uttara when police used sound grenades, tear gas shells, and rubber bullets to disperse the protesting students.
The students, from various private universities, colleges, and schools, had gathered in front of Zamzam Tower in Uttara and attempted to move onto the main road, prompting the police and RAB to intervene and the subsequent violence.
Dhanmondi
Meanwhile, a student of Dhaka Residential Model College was killed during a clash between quota protestors and police along with Jubo league men in Dhanmondi.
The deceased was identified as Farhan Faiyaaz, 17, who was brought dead, said City Hospital Assistant Manager Osman Gani.
Besides, around 200 people, mostly students, took treatment at the hospital, he added.
Badda
Another individual was killed during clashes between private university students and police in the Badda and Rampura areas.
The deceased, identified as Dulal Matbor, a driver by profession, was caught in the crossfire while passing through the area.
He was declared dead upon arrival at Farazy Hospital, according to Rubel Hossain, the hospital's deputy general manager, who also reported that 200-300 people had received treatment at the facility.
Savar
A student from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) has been killed during clashes between quota reform seekers and police, along with members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), in Savar.
"We have received one deceased individual so far. His name is Yamin, a student of MIST. He had bullet wounds on his body. We have also admitted five others who were injured," said Enam Medical College Hospital Deputy Manager Yusuf Ali.
Witnesses say around 12:30pm, quota protesters blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Pakija area near Bazarstand and proceeded towards Pakija.
Leaders and activists of the Awami League, along with its affiliated organisations, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel, were positioned there.
As the protesters advanced, they were chased by Awami League members, police and BGB personnel, resulting in stone-pelting from both sides.
When the protesters set fires on the highway and demonstrated, the police fired teargas shells and bullets at them.
Madaripur
At least one student was killed after jumping into a lake in Madaripur as students demanding quota reform in government jobs were chased by the police and Chhatra League activists during the students’ protest programme.
The deceased Dipta Dey, 21, was a second-year student of Madaripur Government College, said Fire Service and Civil Defence Madaripur Warehouse Inspector Sheikh Ahaduzzaman.
"Divers have recovered the body of one of the two students who drowned in the local Shakuni lake," he added.
Further details about the incidents remain unclear as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the clashes and resulting fatalities.
