Around 40 students hospitalized at Dhaka Medical after police disperse protesters with tear gas and sound grenades during demonstration. 

A violent clash broke out between protesting students and law enforcement officers on Tuesday afternoon in front of the Secretariat in Dhaka, leaving approximately 40 students injured. The confrontation occurred during a demonstration demanding the resignation of the Education Advisor. Injured students were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The injured include Ashik (19), Rakibul Hasan (21), Asad Ahmed (18), Hasan (18), Afsana (18), Mugdha (19), Antor (20), Shakil (23), Shawon (19), Tansin (20), Siam (18), Mahim (18), Redwan Islam (20), Hasib (18), and Nehal (20), among others.

Witnesses and students involved in the protest stated that the demonstration began peacefully, with students from various colleges including Dhaka College, City College, Ideal College, and other institutions in the Dhanmondi area gathering in front of the main entrance of the Secretariat around 2:30 PM. They chanted slogans demanding the immediate resignation of both the Education Advisor and the Education Secretary.

As tensions escalated, protesters managed to push through the main gate and entered the Secretariat complex around 3:45 PM. Once inside, some students reportedly vandalized several vehicles parked near buildings 7 and 8. In response, law enforcement officers intervened with baton charges, attempting to disperse the students and regain control of the premises.

According to Md. Faruk, the on-duty officer at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police camp, about 40 injured students were admitted to the emergency ward following the incident. Most were hurt by the impact of rubber bullets, tear gas shells, or during the stampede caused by police intervention.

Shortly after the students entered the Secretariat, law enforcement personnel launched sound grenades and tear gas to drive them out. A chaotic scene unfolded as students threw stones and bricks at police officers and attempted to regroup in the surrounding areas. The police then carried out further dispersal tactics, leading to multiple injuries among the protesters.

Following the violence, the entire area surrounding the Secretariat was sealed off. All entry and exit points were closed, and vehicular movement in front of the complex was suspended. The disruption caused a significant traffic jam in adjacent areas, affecting commuters and daily operations around the government offices.

Earlier in the day, students had assembled in front of the Education Board building and marched towards the Secretariat in protest. Their demand centered around the resignation of the Education Advisor following recent controversies and the tragic crash incident that took place at Milestone School and College in Uttara.

The standoff lasted nearly two hours before the protestors were forcefully removed from the premises. Despite efforts by police to clear the area, groups of students continued to demonstrate in various pockets nearby. As evening approached, the area remained under tight security, with increased deployment of law enforcement to prevent further escalation.

The incident has sparked public debate regarding the use of force on student demonstrators and the growing unrest within the education sector. Authorities have not yet issued a formal statement addressing the students’ demands or the allegations of excessive police response.