Police baton charge and tear gas at student protests in Secretariat; at least 35 injured amid vandalism

Following the tragic death of 31 students in the Milestone School and College plane crash in Uttara, widespread student protests erupted across the capital today demanding the resignation of the Education Advisor and Education Secretary. The protests, held in front of the Secretariat, turned violent as police and students clashed, resulting in at least 35 students being injured and admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Around 4:10 pm, law enforcement agencies attempted to disperse the protesting students gathered at the Secretariat’s main gate using baton charges, sound grenades, and tear gas shells. The area quickly filled with thick smoke as the students scattered in confusion.

Hospital sources confirmed that at least 35 injured students were brought in by 5 pm, with several sustaining serious head and back injuries.

An eyewitness recounted, “Suddenly the gate was broken down, and students entered the premises. The police were already prepared. During the chase, anyone who fell was beaten.”

By approximately 4:45 pm, the students had broken into the Secretariat through Gate 1, vandalizing several parked vehicles, including motorcycles. The air was charged with slogans such as “Why did my brother die? Administration must answer,” “Fake fake,” and “We want the resignation of the Education Secretary and Advisor.”

To regain control, joint forces of the army and police launched an operation to remove the protesters from inside the Secretariat compound. Outside, the chase and counter-chase continued until around 5:30 pm.

Photos from the scene show students being helped after baton charges, tearful faces holding their heads, and smashed motorcycles lying in pieces inside the Secretariat grounds.

The protests reflect the deep anger and grief nationwide following the tragic accident, and the demand for accountability from the authorities continues to grow.