Clashes erupt at four campuses, over 100 injured

More than 100 people were injured as clashes broke out between activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir at four educational institutions, including three in the capital, over the past two days.

The violence occurred at Jagannath University, Dhaka College and Dhaka Alia Madrasa on Tuesday, while a similar clash took place at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur on Monday night. Police intervened and brought the situations under control, with additional personnel deployed on the affected campuses.

The worst violence was reported at Jagannath University, where at least 70 people, including student leaders and journalists, were injured during clashes surrounding a July Uprising photo exhibition. Both sides blamed each other for triggering the violence.

The university administration formed a four-member probe committee to investigate the incident. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Raish Uddin expressed regret over the violence and said additional police had been deployed to maintain order.

Following the campus clash, groups of Chhatra Dal activists allegedly entered the nearby National Medical College Hospital and attacked injured students receiving treatment, according to witnesses and student representatives. Hospital authorities said dozens of injured people were treated throughout the day.

At Dhaka College, around 20 people were reportedly injured after rival groups clashed in front of the college auditorium. Chhatra Dal claimed its members were attacked during a meeting, while Chhatra Shibir alleged its activists were assaulted during a previously announced programme. Police later restored order, although two crude bombs exploded in the nearby New Market area without causing casualties.

At Dhaka Alia Madrasa, at least 10 people, including Principal Mahmud Obaidul Haque, were injured in clashes over the alleged occupation of residential hall seats. The principal was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Both organisations traded blame for the incident, while police remained deployed as tensions persisted.

Meanwhile, five people were injured in clashes between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur on Monday night over a photography exhibition marking the July Uprising. The university administration restricted the movement of outsiders on campus to prevent further violence, while rival student groups held separate protest programmes on Tuesday.

Authorities said the overall situation at the campuses remained under control, although tensions continued.

SKS