Naranyanganj police have reported that a vehicle carrying central coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement fell victim to an armed robbery near the Meghna Toll Plaza on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway.
The attackers, wielding machetes and other weapons, shattered the vehicle's windows and looted cash, mobile phones, and bags, leaving two passengers injured.
The incident occurred around 2am on Monday (9 December) night, while the student leaders were en route to Lama in Bandarban to attend a memorial event and consultation meeting.
Among the victims were Arif Sohel, Member Secretary of the organisation's Central Executive Committee; Rupaiya Shrestha Tanchangya; Mahamuda Sultana; Rakib Mohammad; Muinul Islam; Ibrahim Nirab; Dhaka University student Yasmin Mitu; and student leader Mishu Ali. Rakib Mohammad and Mahamuda Sultana sustained injuries from the broken glass.
Rupaiya Shrestha, who was present during the attack, recounted the harrowing experience, stating, "Our vehicle was moving intermittently due to traffic congestion. Suddenly, a group of masked individuals armed with machetes surrounded us. They smashed the windows and held a machete to the driver’s neck. They then looted our mobile phones, cash, bags, and important documents. They even attempted to drag Arif Sohel out of the vehicle."
The swift arrival of a police patrol team prompted the attackers to flee the scene. Mohammad Abdul Bari, Officer-in-Charge of Sonargaon Police Station, described the incident as a robbery and noted, "Our patrol team was nearby. As soon as they approached, the robbers fled. Efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits."
Following the attack, police rescued the student leaders and ensured their safety. By 5am, the group split into two, with one team continuing their journey to Bandarban and the other returning to Dhaka.
