The incident took place at Terminal No. 4 of Sadarghat around 5pm on Monday (October 5). According to eyewitnesses, when two students identifying themselves as JU students tried to enter the launch, the workers stopped them. At one stage of the altercation over this, allegations were raised that a launch worker was beaten.
Later, when several more JU students went to the spot, there was again pushing and scuffling between the two sides. Several students and launch workers were injured in the incident. There were also allegations that mobile phones of some launch workers were vandalized.
A relevant source claimed that Tk 40,000 was demanded from the launch owners' association, citing mobile phone vandalism and treatment expenses. There are also allegations that attempts were made to settle the matter using Chhatra Dal identity. Later, through discussion, the matter was settled for Tk 20,000.
A launch worker alleged that some students regularly try to enter the launch in the evening or at night without identity cards. The incident originated centering on stopping them over this. However, launch supervisor Md. Jillu said he is not certain about the amount of money taken.
Launch Managing Director Yubraj Hossain said it has been decided to officially write to the Jagannath University authorities so that in the future no one can enter the launch without university identity.
Meanwhile, allegations have been raised that while gathering information about the demand for money in the name of settlement, the people present had an altercation and scuffle with two journalists. There are also allegations that the journalists were later forced out of the spot.
Mehedi Hasan Himel, convener of JU Chhatra Dal, said that if anyone extorts using Chhatra Dal's identity, the organization will not take responsibility for it. If any Chhatra Dal member is involved, organizational action will be taken after investigation. However, no immediate comment was available despite repeated attempts to contact member secretary Shamsul Arefin.
