Dhaka University students burned a military van and damaged at least 50 vehicles yesterday. The students also burnt effigies of army leaders. The students were protesting the army’s presence on the campus during a soccer game.
In response, police used teargas and rubber bullets to break up the crowd. More than 100 students were injured. The police also ordered a curfew on Dhaka and five other cities.
A military-backed interm government took power in January following months of political violence. Since then, the government has banned protests and street assemblies. Also since then, army troops have been camping in Dhaka Univerity’s gymnasium.
The students seek an immediate dismantling of the army camp on the campus. They retaliated against the police with sticks and stones. There are 40,000 students there. The Dhaka University Teachers Association supports the students’ demands. Some teachers have joined the protesting students.
The Dkaka and five other Bangladesh universities have been indefinitely closed.
For more information, please see:
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/s2011415.htm
