30 injured as madrasa students, police personnel clash in Brahmanbaria

At least 30 people, including madrasa students and police personnel, were injured in a clash at the police lines in Brahmanbaria last night over loud music played during a cultural programme organised by the district police to mark the visit of Chattogram Range DIG Abdul Quddus Chowdhury.

The clash broke out around 11:30pm at the police lines in Paschim Medda after the DIG had left, when several students of Jamia Darul Arkam Al-Islamia Madrasa reportedly asked the organisers to lower the volume, saying they had an examination the following morning.

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The students said the volume was lowered initially but later increased again, leading to an argument with police personnel.

The situation escalated when a group of students entered the police lines. Police used batons to disperse them, while students allegedly threw bricks and stones at police, witnesses said.

The injured were taken to Brahmanbaria 250-bed General Hospital and other hospitals.

Following the incident, Brahmanbaria Superintendent of Police Shah Mohammad Abdur Rouf held an emergency meeting with Maulana Sajidur Rahman, founder of Jamia Darul Arkam Al-Islamia Madrasa, and secretary general of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh around 12:30am today.

Student representatives identifying them as Brahmanbaria Qawmi Chhatra Oikya Parishad demanded a written pledge that no music programme would be held at the district police lines ever again, action including dismissal against those who allegedly attacked or ordered attacks on students, immediate medical treatment and compensation for the injured, and an unconditional apology from the SP. They warned of tougher action if the demands were not met by 10:00am today.

A video of the meeting went viral on social media, and The Daily Star has also obtained an audio recording of the conversation.

In response, SP Abdur Rouf said the incident emerged from a misunderstanding between the two sides. CCTV footage would be reviewed and action would be taken against anyone found responsible, he said.

The SP also added that Zila Parishad Administrator Sirajul Islam Siraj visited the injured at the hospital and assured them of financial assistance and arrangements for advanced treatment for those who require it.

However, although the 10:00am deadline set by the madrasa student representatives has passed, no further action has been reported. No representative from the madrasa could be reached for comment either.