A dispute over the detention of a local Chhatra League leader triggered a violent clash between police and student protesters in front of Patiya police station on Monday night, leaving at least ten people injured.
Tensions have since escalated, with protesters laying siege to the police station and blocking a major highway.
The initial incident occurred around 9:30pm on Monday when activists of the anti-discrimination student movement detained the Chhatra League leader near the Central Shaheed Minar in Patiya and brought him to the police station, demanding his arrest.
Police declined, citing the absence of any formal case against him. The refusal led to a heated argument, which quickly escalated into a physical confrontation.
In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, police eventually took the Chhatra League leader into custody. During the clash, at least four police officers and six protesters were injured.
Following the incident, protesters launched further demonstrations. On Wednesday morning around 9:30am, members of the anti-discrimination student movement began a sit-in in front of the main gate of Patiya police station, accusing police of launching two unprovoked attacks on them. The protesters vowed to continue their demonstration until a fair investigation is ensured.
Tensions deepened further when a section of the demonstrators blocked the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway around 10:40am. Protesters sat down on the road, chanting slogans against police actions, causing severe traffic congestion on both sides of the highway.
As of 10:45am, the atmosphere in front of the police station remained tense. Protesters were seen holding placards and shouting slogans, demanding justice and accountability. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the students’ allegations.
Security has been heightened in the area to prevent further escalation.
