Students block Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Highway demanding removal of Patiya OC
11 students injured in police baton attack

Student Protest Halts Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Highway Over Patiya OC’s Removal
Vehicular movement on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Highway was suspended from Wednesday morning as students of the anti-discrimination movement blocked the highway, demanding the removal of the officer-in-charge (OC) of Patiya Police Station.
The protest intensified after students laid siege to the Patiya Police Station, accusing law enforcers of attacking them during a peaceful programme.
According to a press release from the movement, a group of students had gathered in front of the police station around 10:45pm on Tuesday to observe the anniversary of the July-August mass uprising by lighting candles.
Tensions escalated when students urged police to arrest Dipankar, a leader of a banned Chhatra League faction in Rangamati. As police allegedly refused to take action, the students began protesting outside the station.
A baton charge by police followed, sparking a clash that left 11 students injured. Among them, Ashraful Islam Toukir (21) and Saiful Islam (17) were treated at Patiya Upazila Health Complex, while others received first aid.
Toukir alleged, “We only requested the police to arrest the banned Chhatra League leader, but they attacked us without provocation.”
Golam Mawla Mosharraf, the movement’s southern Chattogram coordinator, stated, “Instead of acting against known offenders, police are now intimidating activists. We are not backing down.”
At an emergency press conference, leaders of the movement demanded legal action against the OC and other involved officers. They warned of escalated protests if their demands were ignored.
Responding to the incident, OC Abu Zahed Md Nazmun Nur claimed that students brought the alleged Chhatra League leader to the station and created a mob situation, during which police personnel were assaulted, leaving 3–4 injured.
In retaliation, students blocked the key highway route to press for the OC’s removal. However, traffic was diverted through alternative roads to maintain connectivity.
What's Your Reaction?






