At least 20 people were injured, when unidentified assailants attacked the convoy of the "March for Unity" anti-discrimination student movement in Mollahat upazila of Bagerhat, on Tuesday (Dec 31).

The incident occurred around 11:30 am near Mollahat Madrasaghat area. 

The attackers hurled bricks and physically assaulted some students after stopping their vehicles. The students resisted, leading to a one-hour clash that turned the area into a battleground.

Traffic on the Khulna-Mawa highway was halted for nearly two hours as the situation escalated. Police and army personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control.

Witnesses said the conflict began when a vehicle trailing behind the convoy faced repeated threats from a local passenger bus. An altercation followed, leading to an attack involving locals. Several buses, including one from Seba Green Line, were vandalized.

Zohurul Tanvir, a coordinator of the movement, claimed the attack was orchestrated by allies of the government. Minhazul Abedin, another coordinator, demanded swift justice for the injured and warned of intensified protests if the attackers were not brought to book.

Mollahat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shafiqul Islam said the situation is now under control, and the convoy has resumed its journey. Law enforcement remains on-site to prevent further clashes.

BDST: 1604 HRS, DEC 31, 2024
MSK