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Vehicles torched inside BSMMU, firefighters unable to reach scene

Several vehicles parked inside Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at Shahbagh in Dhaka were set on fire by unidentified individuals on Sunday.

Around 11:30am, a group wielding sticks was seen vandalizing cars, ambulances, motorcycles, and buses on the hospital premises. 

Earlier in the morning, clashes erupted outside the medical university between supporters of the Awami League and student protesters. At one point, the Awami League supporters sought shelter inside BSMMU. Unidentified individuals then entered the hospital through the main gate and carried out the vandalism, according to witnesses. 

The attack created panic among patients, their attendants, doctors, and staff. Despite being alerted, Fire Service and Civil Defence vehicles were unable to reach the scene. 

Fire Service duty officer Lima Khanom told Jago News, “We received information about the fire at BSMMU. However, due to a lack of police protection, our units are unable to reach the spot.”