Quota reform protesters staged rally at Cheragi intersection in Chattogram protesting the reported abductions, killings, and false lawsuits against movement activists across the country.
The demonstration began at 3:30pm on Monday (29 July), with protesters chanting slogans on the road.
Police intervened using sound grenades and batons to disperse them, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including police officers. Several protesters were also detained before and after the rally.
In a video message, Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Chattogram, announced a protest rally in front of the Press Club in Jamal Khan at 3pm. In anticipation, there was a heavy police presence in Jamal Khan and other parts of the city, with some areas under police search. However, the rally location was shifted to Cheragi intersection at the last minute.
Protesters, mostly women, began arriving at Cheragi Mor after 3pm and sat on the road, chanting slogans. Police initially attempted to disperse them peacefully, but the protesters continued their demonstration for about 20 minutes. Clashes ensued, with stones thrown at the police.
The police then used two sound grenades to break up the crowd, causing the protesters to scatter. During the clash, several people, including Sub-Inspector Mozzaffar Ahmed of Kotwali Police Station, were injured.
Some of the detained students have been identified as Mohammad Imon, a second-year engineering student at Southern University; Azmain Karim Nihal, an eleventh grader at Baklia Government College; Julhas Hossain of Gachbaria Degree College; and Nazrul Islam of Chattogram Law College. The police have stated that these individuals have not been arrested but are in custody for verification and will be released if found innocent.
On Sunday, July 28, six coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who were in DB custody, announced in a video message the withdrawal of ongoing student programs. However, several other coordinators later announced on social media that the movement would continue, leading to the protests in Chattogram.
