On January 16, 2025, police clashed with students protesting at Dhaka University under the banner of the “Aggrieved Student-People.”

The students were demanding accountability for an attack that occurred the previous day, when a fight broke out between members of several indigenous communities and minority student groups, on one side, and members of a group called “Students for Sovereignty,” on the other.

The following day, students gathered at Dhaka University to demand accountability, accusing the Students for Sovereignty of attacking the indigenous and minority students. The police used water cannons, sound grenades, and lathi charge to disperse the students. At least six students were injured.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/370956/police-baton-charge-protest-march-against-minority
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/police-use-sound-grenades-water-cannons-disperse-march-protesting-attack-indigenous
https://www.thedailystar.net/analysis/news/police-brutality-protesters-betrayal-the-july-uprising-3801011