JnU students allege they were beaten inside traffic police box in Old Dhaka

Several Jagannath University (JnU) students were allegedly beaten inside a traffic police box at Dayaganj intersection in Old Dhaka today. The incident reportedly involved an assistant sergeant and traffic assistants on duty. JnU students surrounded the police box and protested the incident around noon. Police and army personnel later intervened and detained four traffic assistants to bring the situation under control. During the detention, a traffic assistant was beaten by agitated students. At least seven students were injured in the incident, protesting students said. Some of the seriously injured were taken to Dayaganj Labaid Hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses said the clash began around 12:00pm when a Magura-bound Saad Super bus carrying JnU students stopped at the Dayaganj traffic signal. A few students got down to help ease congestion. Traffic assistants on duty asked them to identify themselves, which led to an argument. The traffic assistants allegedly dragged the students inside the police box and beat them with batons. Talha, a CSE student injured in the incident, said, "There was heavy traffic at the intersection. Some of our seniors asked the traffic personnel to clear the way. Instead of easing the situation, they got angry and attacked us. They dragged us inside the police box and beat us with batons." Sohan Pramanik, a student of Islamic Studies, added, "Hearing that some of our juniors were being beaten, I went near the police box. They took me inside and hit me with batons." Wari Division Deputy Commissioner Harun-ar-Rashid said, "There was a scuffle between the students and the sergeant, along with the traffic assistants. Later, the students surrounded the police box. We reached the spot and calmed the situation. Four persons have been detained, and action will be taken after investigation." JnU Proctor Prof Muhammad Tazammol Hoque said, "We immediately rushed to the spot after hearing of the incident. With the help of police and army personnel, four individuals involved in the attack were detained. Appropriate action will be taken against them."