DUCSU VP-GS injured in JCD-Shibir clash

A clash on Monday between Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed general students and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists supporting Fazlul Huq (FH) Muslim Hall Provost Prof Dr Elias Al-Mamun at Dhaka University (DU) left at least six people including hall union Vice-President (VP) Abu Naim and General Secretary (GS) Imamul Hasan injured.

The incident took place in front of the provost’s office at around 2:45am. The injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Earlier on Sunday, Shibir’s DU unit demanded the resignation and exemplary punishment of the Provost, alleging that a resident student was subjected to mental harassment, intimidation, phone seizure, threats of a cyber case and forced to sign a written statement.

In a joint statement, DU Shibir President and DUCSU AGS Md Mahiuddin Khan and Secretary Kazi Ashik said that such actions violated students’ rights to criticism and freedom of expression and called for accountability for the provost, hall staff and others allegedly involved.

Students told the media that hall union GS Imamul Hasan was in critical condition.

Earlier, Md Ibrahim, a student of the 2020-21 academic session, said, “I was kept inside the provost’s office for around one and a half hours, where I was subjected to mental harassment and intimidation and forced to provide a written statement.”

Hall Provost Prof Dr Md Elias Al-Mamun denied allegations of harassing the student, saying that they were fabricated against him.

He said, “The student was called in for a discussion after making comments about me on social media. After he admitted his mistake, I allowed him to speak with his mother and released him after offering him refreshments.”

DUCSU Social Service Secretary AB Zubair posted on Facebook on Sunday night that students locked the FH Hall provost’s office after seeking CCTV footage, alleging that the provost had acted aggressively and vowing to keep it locked pending action.

Protesting the incident, Shibir-leaning students had been blockading the provost’s office since the evening, demanding his resignation.