Tensions Rise in Dhaka Over Secretariat Blockade: Clashes Leave Dozens Injured, One Detained

Following the tragic plane crash at Uttara’s Milestone School and College that claimed the lives of 31 students, protests by students spread across the capital on Tuesday, culminating in violent clashes with law enforcement near the Secretariat. At least 75 students were injured, and one was detained during the confrontations.

The protest, which began at Gate 1 of the Secretariat around 2:30 PM, quickly escalated and spread to Purana Paltan, Baitul Mukarram, and the GPO intersection. Around 4:30 PM, police reportedly used batons, sound grenades, and tear gas shells to disperse the protesting students. In response, the students threw bricks and stones, intensifying the chaos.

Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of students gathered outside the Secretariat, chanting slogans demanding the resignation of the Education Advisor and Education Secretary. Among the chants that echoed through the streets: “Why did my brother die? Administration, answer us!”

Many of the injured students were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Most were between 18 and 21 years old. Known injured individuals include Md. Hasan, Tanvir, Samira, Iman, Mahi, Shahed, Imran, Rifat, Bijon, and others.

Mehbub Iman, one of the hospitalized students, told reporters, “We came to mourn our friends who died in the crash. The government’s irresponsible behavior and the sudden suspension of the HSC exams in the middle of the night left us shocked. This brutal response to a peaceful protest is unacceptable.”

Shahbagh Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Khaled Monsur stated, “The situation is now under control, and traffic has resumed. One student has been detained. Further investigation is underway.”

Videos circulating on social media show tear gas being repeatedly fired to disperse the students and a young protester being dragged away by police officers.

Students emphasized, “This movement is not political. It’s about justice and accountability. Our classmates died, and the administration must answer for it.”

Today, Dhaka bore witness to a boiling reality—where grief, outrage, and demands for justice converged into a student movement that shook the capital. The future of this protest now hinges on how the authorities respond in the coming days.