Violence erupts as Anti-Discrimination Student convoy attacked on way to Dhaka

In a shocking incident on Tuesday, December 31, several buses carrying students involved in the anti-discrimination movement were attacked in Mollahat, Bagerhat. 

The students, traveling from Khulna, were on their way to participate in the "March for Unity" event at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.

The incident took place around 11 a.m. when the buses reached the Madrasaghat bus stand in Mollahat. 

Local sources reported that a group of people initially attacked the buses, and soon after, Awami League supporters and activists gathered and began assaulting both the buses and the students. 

The attack left several students injured, and it caused a traffic jam on the Dhaka-Khulna highway for nearly two hours. Police and military forces had to step in to restore order.

Jahurul Tanveer, the coordinator of the anti-discrimination movement in Khulna, said, "Our convoy was traveling peacefully from Khulna to Dhaka when we were attacked on the way. 

Many of us have been injured. This attack was carried out by the allies of the fascist government."

Another coordinator, Minhajul Abedin Sampad, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a well-planned assault. 

"This attack was well-planned. However, nothing will deter us from our mission. Our brothers’ blood has been spilled, and justice must be served without delay. Those responsible must be brought to justice and punished accordingly. Otherwise, students will continue to search for those involved through our protests," he warned.

Mollahat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Shafiqul Islam confirmed the attack. By 1 p.m., traffic returned to normal as the situation was brought under control.

This violent incident comes amid growing political discussions in the country about the anti-discrimination student movement and the National Citizens‍‍` Committee‍‍`s "July Revolution Declaration." 

Earlier in the week, on December 30, the movement held a press conference at their office in Banglamotor, announcing that the "March for Unity" would take place at 3 p.m. on December 31 at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka.

The attack has sparked outrage among the students and their supporters, who are demanding immediate justice for the injured.