Students torch Jatiya Party HQ following attack on rally

Angry students set fire to the central office of the Jatiya Party in Dhaka on Thursday evening after reportedly being attacked during an anti-discrimination student rally. 

The incident occurred around 7:30pm.

Harun Rashid, Organising Secretary of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, said, “We began our march with anti-discrimination students from the TSC of Dhaka University at 6:00pm, with plans to conclude with a short rally in front of the Bijayanagar water tank. However, as soon as we reached the Jatiya Party’s central office, we were stormed by attackers.” 

He said that around 20 participants were injured in the clashes.

Another leader Hasan Al Mamun noted that activists of the Juba League and Chhatra League had already gathered at the Jatiya Party's office. “As soon as our procession arrived, they began throwing bricks and attacking us with sticks and rods. Leaders and supporters of the Jatiya Party joined in the assault, prompting the students to unite and resist.”

When two units of the fire service arrived at approximately 7:50pm, the students were forced to retreat. During this time, they chanted slogans such as “Down with tyranny!” and “We will not allow Chhatra League’s shelter in Bengal!”