A clash erupted during simultaneous protests over the inclusion of the term "Adivasi" in textbooks and the removal of graffiti linked to the issue. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday (January 15) in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) building in Motijheel, Dhaka, left several individuals injured, including journalists and women.
The protest began in the morning when a group called "Student for Sovereignty" staged a blockade at the NCTB building with a 5-point demand. Their demands included incorporating "Adivasi" into textbooks and punishing those responsible for creating fictional graffiti depicting a united India against the July Uprising. Concurrently, another group, "Shongkhubdho Adivasi Chhatro-Janata" (Aggrieved Indigenous Students and People), gathered at the same location, calling for the reinstatement of the graffiti in textbooks.
According to Prothom Alo, members of "Student for Sovereignty" had been present since the morning. Around 11:45 a.m., members of "Shongkhubdho Adivasi Chhatro-Janata" arrived, leading to a scuffle between the groups. Police intervened, creating a barrier and separating the two sides, but tensions remained high as both groups continued chanting slogans against each other.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., an alleged attack targeted members of "Shongkhubdho Adivasi Chhatro-Janata," injuring several individuals, including journalists and women. The injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and included Dhanjetra (28), Ontot Dhamai (35), Futonto Chakma (22), Isaba Shuhorat (32), Rengiyong Mro (27), Rupaiya Shrestha Tonchonga (25), Donayi Mro (25), Jewel Marak (35), and Shoilee (27). Among them, Rupaiya Shrestha Tonchonga, an executive committee member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Jewel Marak, a reporter for DBC, were identified.
"Student for Sovereignty" claimed they were attacked, while "Shongkhubdho Adivasi Chhatro-Janata" alleged the assault on their group was premeditated. According to a Facebook post by Umama Fatema, a spokesperson for the organization, the protest under the banner of "Shongkhubdho Adivasi Chhatro-Janata" had been pre-scheduled. Prothom Alo reported that "Student for Sovereignty" announced their program at the same venue a day earlier.
