Shots fired at protesters, violence erupts in Ctg

Earlier, both protesters and Awami League activists had called for rallies in Chattogram’s New Market area, escalating the already tense situation in the port city.

The Awami League rally was scheduled to start at 10:00 am, while those protesting against quota reforms planned to gather at 11:00 am.

Law enforcement deployed some 2,000 police officers to maintain order, and barricades were set up to separate the two groups.

The anti-discrimination student movement had initially called for a mass rally at New Market in Chattogram at 2:30 p.m. as part of a nationwide non-cooperation movement. However, the Awami League called for its own rally at 1 p.m. at the same venue.

To avoid clashes, the anti-quota reform protesters had moved their rally to 11 am, but the Awami League postponed its meeting to 10 am, making it susceptible to confrontation.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Md Saiful Islam told The Business Standard: “We have asked both sides to change their locations, but they have not complied. A police barricade will be put up between the two groups.”

There are also reports that the military will remain deployed in the area if the curfew is lifted, under the supervision of a district judge. However, district judge Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman declined to comment on the matter, instead referring inquiries to the police commissioner.

At 10:30 AM, protesters began gathering at New Market, while Awami League activists were nowhere to be seen. The streets were empty, and there were very few vehicles on the roads. There was a sense of fear and uncertainty among the public.