Amnesty International has raised concerns following media reports indicating that at least 20 individuals, including students, were injured as police intervened in a demonstration by students at Comilla University.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Amnesty International South Asia emphasized the importance of respecting the right to protest, safeguarding peaceful demonstrators, and ceasing the use of unnecessary and excessive force.
The human rights organization underscored that peaceful assemblies are crucial for allowing people to voice their concerns publicly.
"Bangladesh`s obligations under international law and its own constitution uphold the right to freedom of peaceful assembly," the post stated.
There have been multiple reports of clashes between police and protesters across the country during today`s "Bangla Blockade" demonstrations, demanding reforms to the quota system in government jobs.
According to reports, at least 30 people were injured in what was described as a police crackdown during protests in Cumilla and Dhaka`s Agargaon.
In Chattogram city in the afternoon, several anti-quota protesters were reportedly injured during clashes with police.
Witnesses reported that protesters initially blocked a rail track at Chattogram Station around 2:40 pm. They later gathered at Chattogram Old Station by 3:50 pm and proceeded to the Tigerpass area around 4:40 pm, where clashes erupted when police attempted to intervene.
Another confrontation occurred in the No-2 Gate area around 5:00 pm.
The exact number and identities of those injured could not be confirmed, according to our correspondent in Chattogram.
Following the clashes, protesting students occupied the area, with police surrounding them as they chanted slogans and held placards while sitting on the road.
Earlier today, police had warned of taking legal action against anyone causing public disturbance, citing a court verdict related to the quota system.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal expressed concern that students involved in the anti-quota movement were exceeding acceptable limits. He urged the protesters to cease their activities and seek redress through legal channels.
