ATI students clash with police in Pabna

Tensions flared at the Agricultural Training Institute in Ishwardi, Pabna on Tuesday as students clashed with police following a prolonged demonstration that blocked a major intersection and disrupted traffic for nearly three hours.

The protest began around 11:00 am when students erected barricades at the Alhaj intersection, halting vehicular movement and affecting municipal operations. The blockade continued until approximately 2:30 pm.

Eyewitnesses said police and army personnel arrived on the scene and urged the students to disperse peacefully. The situation escalated when students refused dialogue and began chanting slogans such as “Fake! Fake!”, prompting authorities to intervene to clear the road.

During the confrontation, students reportedly pushed Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pranab Kumar of the Ishwardi Circle, leading to a more forceful response from law enforcement. Security personnel pursued demonstrators as tensions intensified, leaving several students injured while attempting to flee.

Student representatives said 10 to 15 students were hurt when police used lathi charges during what they described as a peaceful protest. They condemned the use of force and reiterated demands for the removal of ASP Pranab Kumar and the Principal of the Agricultural Training Institute.

ASP Kumar acknowledged the disruption caused by the blockade and defended the police response. “We attempted to reason with them, but some became aggressive and pushed officers,” he said, adding that law enforcement acted to restore order and reopen the roads. He confirmed the situation had since returned to normal, with students back on campus.

Despite the easing of tensions, student leaders warned that their movement would continue until their demands are met.

Sheikh Mohsin/MHK