STUDENT POLITICS BAN: Violence erupts at KUET, over 30 hurt
Staff Reporter :
A violent clash broke out on Tuesday afternoon between Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and the Students Against Discrimination group at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), leaving over 30 individuals injured.
The confrontation was sparked by opposing demands regarding the ban on student politics on campus.
The situation within the university campus remains tense, with two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) deployed to control the unrest.
The clash unfolded after students from the Against Discrimination group staged a march around the university dormitories, chanting slogans such as “No place for student politics at KUET,” “We demand a politics-free campus,” and “Student politics will not exist here.”
Tensions escalated near the central mosque, resulting in a chase and counter-chase that spread to the campus’s surrounding areas. Clashes intensified outside the KUET pocket gate when outsiders reportedly joined one of the groups, leading to violent confrontations and multiple injuries.
Ambulances were seen transporting the injured to local hospitals, with at least four already dispatched to assist the victims.
Tensions among the general students further surged as some outsiders vandalized a KUET vehicle and students attacked houses near the university’s main gate. A leader from the Chhatra Dal, speaking about the incident, accused members of Chhatra Shibir and activists from the Chhatra League of attempting to obstruct their activities. This clash, according to him, erupted due to these tensions.
On the other hand, Hannan Masud, central chief coordinator of Students Against Discrimination, took to Facebook, criticizing Chhatra Dal’s involvement. He stated, “Chhatra Dal is digging its own grave on the campus with actions resembling those of the banned Chhatra League activists.”
Authorities, including police, Army, and Navy personnel, quickly responded to the incident.
Khanjahan Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Md Kabir Hossain confirmed that the situation was brought under control, with additional police deployed to prevent further incidents. “We are working to restore order and ensure safety on campus,” said the OC, emphasizing the need for peace to prevail in the volatile situation.