The identity of the gun-wielding youth during Monday’s violence at Dhaka University, whose photograph went viral on social media, has been traced.
The youth is Hasan Molla, a former student of Dhaka College during the 2007-08 academic year and a leader of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, as confirmed by fellow party members and classmates.
On Monday, the agitators were protesting against the prime minister's remarks regarding 'Rajakar' in the ongoing movement concerning the quota system in government jobs. They called for nationwide protests on Monday to demand the withdrawal of this statement and the cancellation of the quota system.
Clashes erupted between protesting students and Chhatra League leaders and activists at Dhaka University from noon to night on Monday. During the confrontation, a youth was seen discharging a firearm. This image subsequently spread on social media.
In the photograph, taken near the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the Curzon Hall area, the young man is seen pointing a firearm at the gate of Shahidullah Hall.
Investigations revealed that Hasan Molla was a student of Dhaka College and resided in Akhtaruzzaman Elias Hall. He became involved in the politics of Dhaka College Chhatra League. Under the leadership of Chhatra League's former president Saifur Rahman Sohag and general secretary Zakir Hossain, he held the position of assistant-secretary in the BCL central committee.
Several former leaders of Dhaka College and Central Chhatra League confirmed this information to Jago News on Monday night.
These leaders mentioned that Hasan Molla is the nephew of Md Abu Kawsar Molla, the former president of the Awami Swechchhasebak League, who was expelled from the party over the much-talked-about casino scandal.
They said, currently, Hasan is a prominent contractor for the Water Development Board, Housing and Public Works Ministry, amassing a fortune worth hundreds of crores of takas.
It has also come to light that Hasan Molla has previously been accused of shooting several individuals. However, it is unclear whether he possesses a license for the weapon used. His village home is in Gopalganj.
During Monday's clash, some former central leaders were also seen in the Madhu’s Canteen of Dhaka University.
Meanwhile, Sajedul Hasan Fahad, 27, general secretary of New Market Thana unit Chhatra League sustained bullet injuries during the clash and chase between Chhatra League and general students at Dhaka University on Monday.
Fahad was hit by a bullet in front of Shahidullah Hall of the university around 6 pm. He was subsequently rescued and taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. After surgery, he was admitted to bed number 9 in ward 101 of the surgery department.