Quota reformers at JnU: Chhatra League attacked us

On Sunday, a total 15 people, including five journalists, were injured in an attack allegedly by Bangladesh Chhatra League on quota reform activists at the Jagannath University (JnU) campus.

Witnesses said the quota reform activists had gathered to make an address in front of the campus’s new building after holding a rally protesting the torture and arrest of quota demonstrators. At one stage, a group of people launched an attack on the protestors.

They further claimed that Chhatra League activists Riaz, Porag and Nur Alom led the attack. Riaz is a student of the 9th batch of the accounting department, while Porag is with the 11th batch of the mathematics department, and Nur Alom is with the 12th batch of the history department.

Latiful Islam, JnU correspondent of Daily Samakal, and Aslam Arko, campus reporter of Amar Sangbad, have both been admitted to Dhaka Medical College hospital for treatment after sustaining severe injuries in the attack. 

In addition, JnU Sangbadik Samity  (JnUSS) Vice President Sami Sarker, Jobaer Ahsan of Ittefaq, and Kabir Hossain of the Daily Sun also were injured in the attack, after having travelled to the location to cover news.

Samajtantrik Chhatra Front President Kishor Kumar Sarker, its General Secretary Golam Rabbi, and Chhatra Union President Ruhum Amin also sustained injuries. Later, they issued a statement demanding the punishment of the attackers, who they claimed were from Chhatra League.

Asraf Shagor, an executive member of JnUSS, said they had submitted a written complain to the university administration in this regard.

JnU Proctor Nur Mohammad said: “Action will be taken against those who were involved in the attack after an investigation has been conducted.”

JnU Chhatra League president Tariqul Islam told the Dhaka Tribune: “Chhatra League did not attack the quota reform activists. The students scuffled amongst themselves. We also participated in the quota reform movement when it began, so any question of us attacking quota reformists cannot be raised. We are waiting for the gazette to be published and for final direction from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”