A bus of Dhaka University was vandalised at the Science Lab intersection in the capital today (15 Januarey) during a blockade enforced by students of seven government colleges, leaving at least two students injured.

The incident occurred around 2:30pm when the bus was stranded due to the blockade, according to witnesses.

When members of the university’s proctorial team arrived and were escorting the bus away from the area, bricks were hurled from behind, shattering two windowpanes and damaging the exterior of the vehicle.

Confirming the matter, Assistant Proctor Rafiqul Islam told The Business Standard, “Two windows were broken after bricks were thrown at the bus, and the outer body was damaged. Two of our students were injured.”

He added, “The damaged bus, named Arjan, operates on the campus route transporting students from the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology in Hazaribagh. The bus was attacked during its noon trip while passing through Science Lab and is currently parked at the vice-chancellor’s premises.”

Director of the university’s transport department Kamrul Islam said the rear glass of the bus was completely shattered, while the door and outer structure were also damaged. “The estimated loss is around Tk20,000 to Tk25,000. The bus was caught amid a mob, and there was little we could do. Repairs will be carried out at our own expense.”

Eyewitness students said an argument broke out between DU students travelling on the bus and the protesting seven-college students after the vehicle was halted at the blockade. As the proctorial team attempted to move the bus, bricks were thrown from behind, injuring two students and damaging the vehicle, reports UNB.

Later, around 4pm, Dhaka University students took position at the Nilkhet intersection in protest.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union Literary Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Muhammad said in a Facebook post that Dhaka University students were attacked and their bus was vandalised under the guise of a movement.

He demanded that those involved in the attack be identified through video footage and brought to justice.

Students of the seven colleges blocked the Science Lab and Technical intersections, demanding the swift approval of the updated draft ordinance on Dhaka Central University.

The blockade which began after 12:30pm caused severe traffic congestion and widespread public suffering. They lifted the blockade around 5pm.

Yesterday, the students also observed blockade programmes at several locations in Dhaka.