Lakshmipur and Khulna reported the first clashes during Friday’s student protests against the recent killings of job quota reform activists by law enforcers.

Ruling party activists clashed with students at Lakshmipur municipality, while in Khulna city police engaged in chases and counter-chases with police.

In Lakshmipur municipality, Additional Superintendent of Police AB Siddik told reporters that had police not intervened to contain aggressive ruling party activists, the entire town would have been set ablaze on Friday.

Before police intervention, at least 10 were injured in clashes between Lakshmipur town Jubo League and Chhatra League on one side, and student protesters on the opposing side.

Shortly after prayers, Sadar Upazila Chairman Salah Uddin Tipu led the ruling party activists to take positions at the Chawbazar area. They urged others to leave for their respective destinations.

When student protesters started gathering at different points around the bazar, the ruling party activists charged at them.

The ruling party activists then moved to the residence of the upazila chairman at Tamiz Market area, on request by police, leaving the scene open for students to demonstrate.