JCD factional clashes erupt at GSTU campus

Clashes broke out in several phases between two factions of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Gopalganj Science and Technology University on Sunday, centring on the replacement of the university proctor.

The clash erupted around 4:30 PM in front of the administrative building after the university authorities relieved the present proctor, Dr Arifuzzaman Rajib, of his duties and appointed Dr Ahsan Saurav of the ASVM department as the new proctor.

According to eyewitnesses, tensions escalated when one faction of Chhatra Dal staged a protest opposing the decision, leading to a heated altercation with the rival group.

The verbal dispute soon turned violent, resulting in clashes and counter-chases in and around the administrative building and adjacent fields.

During the clashes, Chhatra Dal vice-president Jahirul Islam Jahir and publicity secretary Nahidur Rahman Sakib were injured.

Sakib, who sustained serious injuries, was taken by ambulance to Gopalganj General Hospital for treatment.

University unit Chhatra Dal joint general secretary Shafiqul Islam alleged that the violence erupted after Jahir behaved disrespectfully towards the chairman of the Public Administration Department while expressing solidarity with an ongoing protest by ASVM department students.

When objections were raised, Jahir allegedly attacked Sakib, followed by an assault involving several others.

However, Jahirul Islam Jahir denied the allegations, claiming the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding after an accidental push while entering the room of Chhatra Dal leader Anwar.

He alleged that Sakib attacked him during the ensuing scuffle and that a teacher also grabbed him by the collar, after which he was assaulted by several individuals.

Following the incident, one faction of Chhatra Dal has been observing a blockade programme outside the administrative building, while the other group remains inside.

University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Hossain Uddin Shekhar said efforts were underway to resolve the issue.

“We hope the situation will return to normal soon,” added the VC.

AM