On April 20, 2025, army personnel forcibly dispersed students from Sunamganj Medical College during a protest demanding the commencement of academic activities and the official opening of the college’s medical facilities.

A group of medical students had been protesting since April 15, demanding that the college open the newly completed hospital and begin offering clinical education programs. Around 10 am on April 20, a large group of students set up bamboo barricades on both sides of the road near the college campus and held signs, completely stopping traffic. Local police asked the students to disperse, but they refused. Nearly two hours later, army personnel arrived and used batons to disperse the crowd. A video shows army personnel shoving and striking students with batons. Several students were reportedly 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:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/sunamganj-medical-college-unrest-army-charges-baton-clear-students-blocking-road-1121231
https://www.newagebd.net/post/country/263018/sunamganj-medical-college-students-to-return-to-classes
https://en.bddigest.com/army-disperses-medical-students-protest-in-sunamganj-with-baton-charge/
https://www.risingbd.com/english/country/news/111796