Staff Reporter:
A policeman died during a clash with students and other commoners in Khulna city on Friday, as students were protesting against the killings during the recent quota reform movement.
The deceased was Sumon and he served with the Khulna Police Lines, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mozammel Haque confirmed to reporters.
The clash in Khulna city on Friday left at least 20 injured, with some sources putting the count as high as 50.
The clash started when students reached the city’s Gollamari point by 3pm only to face tear shells fired by police from Zero Point. Police also allegedly charged batons.
A chase and counter-chase ensued, but students managed to get the upper hand with many locals joining them in their fight, prompting the police to fall back.
Some students also hurled bricks and stones at the Sonadanga Police Station, but police did not respond on this occasion. No further untoward situation took place at the police station, no personnel were injured.
At 4pm, clashes erupted again when police tried to evict students from Zero Point. The protesters, students and general people, resisted. As rain started, police retreated.
At 5.45pm, clashes erupted again at Gollamari point. The general people tried to go to the city’s Shibbari intersection but faced police resistance. The agitating people set fire to a police van.
Clashes continued in intervals after evening.
