A peaceful protest in Chattogram turned violent on Wednesday (28 May 2025) when members of the Anti-Shahbagh Unity group attacked participants of a human chain organized by the Democratic Student Alliance. The protest was held to condemn the acquittal of Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam and to protest a previous attack on students in Rajshahi.
At least 12 people were injured in the attack, which occurred around 3:30 PM in front of the Chattogram Press Club. The most disturbing moment, captured on video and widely circulated online, shows a man kicking a woman protester in full view of bystanders and law enforcement. The video has sparked widespread public outrage and demands for justice.
The man in the video has been identified as Akash Chowdhury, a resident of Satkania Upazila, who appears in multiple photos with Chattogram Jamaat leaders, including Metropolitan Ameer Shahjahan Chowdhury. While Chhatra Shibir acknowledged Akash was once affiliated with them, they now deny any current connection. However, the Democratic Student Alliance claims he remains politically active within Jamaat-aligned circles.
Public figures, including journalist Rajib Ahmed and activist Pinaki Bhattacharya, have condemned the attack and criticized Jamaat-e-Islami for attempting to avoid responsibility. In a Facebook post, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the party would not take responsibility for actions outside official discipline, but stopped short of addressing the assault directly.
Chhatra Shibir’s Chittagong Metropolitan North Branch also issued a statement condemning the harassment of women, while asserting that Akash is not currently affiliated with their organization.
The viral video has reignited public debate around gendered political violence, the growing presence of far-right groups in student politics, and the continued threats faced by women and left-leaning activists in Bangladesh’s public spaces. The assaulted woman has not been publicly named, but the image of her being kicked has become a flashpoint for anger and protest.
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