Police foil JnU students’ long march to Jamuna

Police on Wednesday foiled a long march by Jagannath University (JnU) students heading towards the chief adviser's official residence, Jamuna, in the capital's Kakrail area, as part of a demonstration to press home their three-point demand, reports UNB.

Witnesses said several hundred students began their scheduled 'Long March' from the JnU campus around 12:30pm.

The procession moved through Tatibazar, Gulistan, Zero Point, and the Matsya Bhaban intersection in Kakrail.

As the protesters approached the Kakrail Mosque area, police intercepted them, leading to a brief scuffle.

When demonstrators attempted to break through the police barricade, law enforcers charged batons to disperse them, according to witnesses.

Police also fired sound grenades, tear gas shells, and used water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Following the police action, the students regrouped and marched towards Shahbagh via Matsya Bhaban intersection.

Protesters claimed that at least 11 individuals, including teachers, were injured during the clash. One of the injured was identified as Nasir Uddin, a teacher, who was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The students are demanding the introduction of 70 housing scholarships starting from the 2025–26 fiscal year until proper housing facilities are implemented.

They also want the proposed full budget for Jagannath University for the 2025–26 fiscal year to be approved without any cuts.

Additionally, they are calling for the construction of a second JnU campus to be approved in the next ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) meeting and implemented as a priority project.