Qawwali Event at DU: Police foil protest rally

Police yesterday foiled a protest rally against the attack, allegedly by Chhatra League activists, before a Qawwali performance at Dhaka University's TSC on Wednesday.

Peoples Activist Coalition (PAC) organised the rally in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh.

"Police charged us with batons while trying to stop our rally. At least five of our members have been injured," said PAC central unit secretary Shimul Chowdhury.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Chhatra Federation held another rally at Raju Memorial Sculpture. DU students also brought out a procession in protest of the attack.

Contacted, Officer-in-Charge of Shahbagh Police Station Moudut Hawlader said the protesters were asked not to hold the rally, considering the Covid situation.

"Allegations of baton-charging are not true," he claimed.

Silsila, a DU-based Qawwali band, organised a performance yesterday evening at the same venue, protesting Wednesday's attack.

Meanwhile, Ain O Salish Kendra yesterday demanded action against the perpetrators behind Wednesday's attack.

ASK, in a statement signed by its executive director Monowar Kamal, demanded that the authorities identify the culprits -- disregarding their political identity -- and take proper steps after a fair investigation.

The rights group also demanded that the authorities concerned make public the steps they would take against those involved.

On Wednesday, a group of BCL members allegedly vandalised the stage of a Qawwali event and attacked the organisers and students of the university.