20 injured in violent clash between Shibir and Chhatra Dal in Chattogram

NN Online:

At least 20 people were injured in a clash between Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists in Chattogram on Monday night, reportedly over the detention of a student by police.

The incident unfolded after JCD activists allegedly assaulted a student named Fahim, labeling him as a member of the banned Chhatra League, and handed him over to Chawkbazar Police Station. However, Shibir claimed Fahim as one of their own and demanded his release.

Tensions flared around 11:30pm as both groups gathered near Gulzar Mor and Chawkbazar Kitchen Market, leading to a violent confrontation.

In a statement, JCD accused Shibir and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters of attacking them in an attempt to free a Chhatra League leader from police custody. Shibir, on the other hand, alleged that JCD and Jubo Dal activists attacked them when they protested Fahim’s arrest, claiming he was a “July warrior” affiliated with their organisation.

Chawkbazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Zahidul Kabir said that the conflict began when JCD members handed over a student identifying him as a BCL activist. Shibir members, recognizing him as their own, attempted to intervene, resulting in clashes. The situation was eventually brought under control by police, he added.

No immediate arrests were reported, but the incident has heightened political tension in the area.