A peaceful protest by dismissed teachers from the Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar turned tense on Wednesday as police intervened, resulting in baton charges and the detention of 25 individuals, including student activist Jinia Sharmin Riya, a former district coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and a leader of the NCP.
The incident occurred around 11 AM near the Foliapara road junction on the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf highway in Ukhiya Upazila. Eyewitnesses and protesters stated that around 40–50 affected teachers had gathered peacefully on the roadside without blocking traffic, demanding reinstatement to their former teaching roles.
According to the protesters, police arrived and ordered them to disperse. When the demonstrators refused, officers used batons to clear the area, injuring 7–8 teachers. Several others were taken into custody and treated at Ukhiya Upazila Health Complex.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Media) Md. Jasim Uddin Chowdhury stated that action was taken to minimise public disruption. He confirmed several individuals were taken into custody and would be released or charged following verification.
He also mentioned that a meeting with the dismissed teachers had been held the day before.
The teachers have been protesting for nearly a year, demanding reinstatement to their previous positions.
