Dozens including journos hurt in fresh New Market clash

Dozens including several newsmen have been injured following the fresh clash between Dhaka College students and traders of New Market that ensued around 10am Tuesday.

The traders reportedly attacked at least 10 journalists including RTV cameraperson Sumon Dey, Dipto TV reporter Asif Sumit, MyTV reporter Danny Drong, SA TV reporter Tuhin and cameraman Kabir Hossain. Few others were also injured by the brickbats thrown by the clashing groups.

Police have been throwing tear shells to control the situation.

Whereas, some students took position at the Science-lab intersection where they started vandalising buses.

Students had also set fire in front of the capital's Noorjahan Market. Two units of fire service are working to douse the fire.

Police have intercepted the clashing groups but are reportedly trying to chase the students away. Whereas, the traders are throwing brickbats on the students.

The clash between the students and some traders started around 12am last night.

The intense situation persisted for around two and a half hours with chases and counter chases taking place during the time.

Police then dispersed the crowd using rubber bullets. Several students were severely injured during this time.

However, the reason for the clash is still not clear. Following the clash, Dhaka College authorities postponed all classes and exams of 19 April.

Several Dhaka College students claimed that one of their classmates was attacked by the traders of New Market on Monday night. Protesting the incident, hundreds of students from the campus rushed to the spot and attacked the marketplace with locally made weapons.

Meanwhile, contrary to the claims made by the students, the shop owners said that some students of Dhaka College came to eat at a fast-food shop in New Market.

An altercation ensued as they reportedly tried to leave without paying the bill. At one point the students started attacking and vandalising the shops, they added.