DU bus vandalised during students’ blockade at Science Lab

At least two students were injured when a Dhaka University bus was vandalised during a blockade enforced by students of seven colleges at the Science Lab intersection this afternoon.

The bus came under attack during its noon trip while passing through Science Lab amid the ongoing protest around 2:30pm.

The bus, named Arjan, operates on the campus route carrying students from the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology (ILET) in Hazaribagh.

Eyewitnesses said the bus was stopped during the blockade, leading to an altercation between Dhaka University students on board and protesting students from the seven colleges.

When members of the university’s proctorial team arrived and attempted to escort the bus away, bricks were thrown from behind, shattering the glass and injuring several students. The outer part of the bus was also damaged in the incident.

Talking to reporters, DU Assistant Proctor Rafiqul Islam said two windows of the bus were shattered after protesters hurled bricks and stones at it, damaging the exterior as well.

“Two of our students were injured. We are planning to fix alternative routes,” he said.

DU Transport Office Director Kamrul Islam said the rear glass of the bus was completely broken, while the door and outer body were also damaged. “The estimated loss is around Tk 20,000 to Tk 25,000,” he added.