150 injured in clash between Barisal University and BM College students

A series of violent clashes between students from Barisal University (BU) and Government Brojomohun (BM) College has resulted in at least 150 individuals injured and significant property damage. 

The unrest, which unfolded from midnight to 5 AM Wednesday, began over a seemingly minor dispute and rapidly escalated into widespread chaos.

The clash originated on Monday morning when BM College students went to the home of a BU student Tasnuva Chowdhury Joya on Baptist Mission Road in Barishal city. The visit was related to an ongoing dispute between Joya's family and a neighbor regarding land issues. An argument between Joya and the BM College students ensued, prompting Joya to call for assistance from her BU peers. This led to a bus-load of BU students arriving at the scene and reportedly attacking the BM College students.

The situation intensified on Tuesday evening when BM College students retaliated by targeting BU students in Bouttal area. The violence continued as injured BU students sought refuge at a local police outpost, only to be further assaulted by BM College students, resulting in additional injuries.

In response, over 1,000 BU students mobilized and converged on BM College campus from Banglabazar, armed with makeshift weapons. Between 1 AM and 3 AM, they engaged in extensive vandalism, damaging the administrative building, three dormitories, and various classrooms. The BM College students, initially attempting to resist, eventually retreated due to being outnumbered.

Army personnel were deployed around 3 AM to quell the violence and restore order. Their intervention managed to bring the situation under control after about an hour of efforts. Two army personnel were reported injured during the operation.

According to Kotwali Model Police Station officer-in-charge Mostafizur Rahman, more than 100 people were injured, with 23 requiring hospitalization at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital. 

Dr. Unmesh Roy, head of BU’s Bangla department, confirmed that over 100 BU students were treated at the hospital, with 33 currently admitted.

BU students returned to their campus by 6:30 AM and efforts are underway to address the aftermath of the violence. Acting Vice-Chancellor Mohsin Uddin has been in contact with BM College officials and has committed to covering the costs of repairing the damaged infrastructure. BM College Principal Aminul Haque acknowledged this assurance and expressed hope for a swift resolution to the situation. 

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and work on measures to prevent future conflicts between the institutions.