In a statement posted on his verified Facebook account on Wednesday afternoon, Hasnat wrote, “I strongly condemn the police attack on BUET students today. There is no justification for using force against the just movement of students.”

The statement came hours after a clash between police and students participating in the pre-announced ‘Long March to Dhaka’, organised by the Engineering Rights Movement. At around 1:30 PM, students from various engineering universities began marching from Shahbagh towards Jamuna, the residence of the chief adviser of the interim government.

The protest was halted near Hotel Intercontinental, where police set up barricades to stop the procession. When students attempted to break through, police dispersed the crowd using batons, tear gas, and sound grenades.

The incident triggered panic in the area, disrupting traffic and leaving parts of Shahbagh tense throughout the afternoon.