Clashes erupt between police and students at secretariat gate

Clashes broke out between police and a group of students from Prime Asia University at the main gate of Bangladesh's Secretariat on Tuesday.

Witnesses reported that the students were involved in a standoff with police, though the reason behind their protest remains unclear.

Earlier, a four-member delegation from the university entered the Secretariat building to meet Education Adviser. They were scheduled to meet the adviser at 4:30 pm.

"Outside, however, a larger group of students, who had been waiting, became involved in a verbal altercation with the police," said an official.

The situation quickly escalated into a clash when the police used batons. They also fired two rounds of blank shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd.