Campus clashes rock Dhaka

Leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir were involved in a series of clashes at several educational institutions across Dhaka on Tuesday, leaving a number of people injured and heightening tensions in parts of the capital.

The incidents, involving clashes, chases and counter-chases, occurred at Jagannath University (JU), Dhaka College and the Dhaka Alia Madrasa area, prompting law enforcement agencies to strengthen security in the affected locations.

At Jagannath University, an argument between members of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra
Shibir over the display of placards during a programme at the university’s central auditorium, attended by the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman, escalated into clashes and chases. University authorities and law enforcement personnel later intervened to restore order.

Videos circulated on social media following the incident appeared to show Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JCSU) Vice-President Riazul Islam being taken out of the campus in a rickshaw by Chhatra Dal activists.

JCSU General Secretary and Jagannath University Chhatra Shibir unit president Abdul Alim Arif was also taken off the campus.

At least 15 people were reportedly injured, including the JCSU vice-president and general secretary, leaders and activists of Chhatra Shakti and Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, as well as Kamruzzaman, finance secretary of the Jagannath University Press Club.

At Dhaka College, clashes broke out between leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir at around 12:30pm, leaving several members of both groups injured, according to witnesses.

Chhatra Dal’s college unit later brought out a procession on the campus at around 1:30pm.

Mohammad Mamun, finance secretary of the Dhaka College unit of Chhatra Shibir, alleged that Chhatra Dal activists attacked their members while preparations were underway at Gallery-2 for a reception and discussion marking the anniversary of the July uprising and honouring the families of those killed during the movement.

He claimed that Abdul Malek, office secretary of the college unit of Chhatra Shibir, sustained serious injuries in the attack and was taken to hospital for treatment. Chhatra Dal did not immediately issue any statement on the allegation.

Later in the afternoon, at around 4:00pm, another clash erupted between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir activists in front of National Medical near the Dhaka Alia Madrasa area.

Witnesses said the violence stemmed from a dispute over control of dormitory seats after tensions between the two groups had been building since the morning.

Both sides reportedly hurled bricks during the confrontation despite the presence of police.

Chhatra Shibir leaders alleged that they came under attack after protesting what they described as the illegal occupation of dormitory seats.

Chhatra Dal, however, accused Chhatra Shibir of deliberately creating unrest at educational institutions across the capital.

Following the incidents, security was tightened at Jagannath University, Dhaka College and the Alia Madrasa area, with additional law enforcement personnel deployed at key locations.

Although the immediate violence subsided, tension continued to prevail in the affected areas.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Assistant Commissioner (Chawkbazar Zone) Md Mahfuzur Rahman confirmed the incidents, saying that members of both organisations remained on the campuses despite the police presence.

He said law enforcement personnel intervened to bring the situation under control.