Police dispersed a scheduled rally that was called in front of the Jatiya Press Club on Tuesday afternoon to protest recent attacks on the leaders and activists of quota reform movement
The law enforcers also picked up Prof Rehnuma Ahmed of Jagangirnagar University and former Bangladesh Chhatra Union president Baki Billah at that time. But, they were released later, reports UNB.
Witnesses said around 100 demonstrators, including teachers of different universities, under the banner of 'Concerned guardians and citizens' tried to gather at the Jatiya Press Club since afternoon to begin their scheduled rally at 4pm.
However, police dispersed them, saying they had no permission for holding the programme which led to a scuffle between the law enforcers and demonstrators.
At that time, police allegedly assaulted Dhaka University teacher Prof Fahmidul Haq and Ganosanghati Andolon convener Zonayed Saki.
Fahmidul Haq said, "Police misbehaved with me even after knowing my identity."
"I and Rehnuma Ahmed got on the van after police arrested Baki Billah and wanted to talk to the police officer," Fahmidul Haq said.
"The officer accused me of damaging the police vehicle and tried to arrest me, too. But the other demonstrators resisted their attempt," he added.
On Monday, several activists of Bangladesh General Students' Rights Protection Council were injured in attacks allegedly by Bangladesh Chhatra League activists during their programmes in different universities.
On Saturday, at least six leaders of the platform were injured in an attack allegedly by the BCL activists on the Dhaka University campus.
On Sunday, detectives arrested Rashed Khan, joint convener of the council, from Bhasantek in the city.
Another joint convener Faruk Hassan was also shown arrested in a case.
In April, students of public and private universities across the country waged a movement demanding reforms in the quota system.
On April 11, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the abolition of all types of quotas in public jobs while addressing in the parliament.
As no gazette notification has so far been issued regarding the abolishment of the quota system as per the PM's declaration, the leaders of the Council gathered in front of DU central library on Saturday to hold a press conference.
But, BCL activists reportedly carried out an attack on them around10:50 am.
