3 vendors held over attempted murder of 2 DU students protesting harassment

Three vendors from Chandni Chawk Market in Dhaka have been arrested in a case filed over the attempted murder of two Dhaka University (DU) students who protested the "harassment" of their female friend.

The accused -- Chunnu, Nazrul Islam Milon, and Nazmul, -- were arrested from the New Market area last night after the case was filed by one of the victims mentioning the names of five people, said Tarique Latif, assistant commissioner of police (New Market Zone).

He confirmed that the suspects were apprehended on charges of attempted murder, abduction, mugging, and some other criminal offences.

Assistant Commissioner Latif said two students suffered serious injuries, while 10 to 15 others were also hurt during the assault.

The incident, as detailed in the First Information Report (FIR), occurred around 8:35pm yesterday at 'Chadni Matching,' a shop on the ground floor of the market.

AKM Mahfuzul Haque, officer-in-charge of New Market Police Station, said the incident began when a female DU student visited the shop but left without making a purchase after bargaining. As she exited, several vendors allegedly shouted abusive remarks at her. When her friends intervened, they were reportedly attacked.

"At the order of the shop owner, accused No. 1 and 2 Nazrul Islam Milon and Chunnu struck me on the head with an iron rod with the intent to kill, causing a severe bleeding injury," the FIR said.

It further alleged that accused No. 3 Afzal Hossain, attacked another student, with an iron rod. When he attempted to block the blow with his hand, he suffered a serious bleeding injury. Accused No. 4 and 5 Nazmul and Masud allegedly beat both victims with wooden sticks, inflicting multiple injuries and bruises.

The student who filed the case reportedly collapsed during the attack and was taken to a separate room on the second floor of the market.

"I was physically assaulted and threatened with death while held there," he later told The Daily Star.

Police said the case names five vendors and implicates an additional 50 to 60 unidentified individuals.

Among the five named accused, three have been arrested so far.