Tensions between Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatradal and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir escalated today (4 August) as clashes broke out at three educational institutions in Dhaka, including Jagannath University (JnU), Dhaka College, and Government Madrasahh-e-Alia (commonly known as Alia Madrasah), leaving dozens injured.
The clashes followed two more similar incidents at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) and Dhaka University (DU) over the past two days.
Yesterday (3 August), at least 10 people were injured in clashes between leaders and activists of the two organisations at BRUR, leaving the campus tense.
Earlier on 2 August, a clash broke out between the activists of the student wings of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami at the office of the provost of Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall at DU over allegations of “homosexual activities” involving two guests staying in the room of the hall union’s assistant general secretary.
Both groups accused each other of initiating the attack.
Since then, tension between Chatradal and Shibir has been rising at different educational institutions.
Clash at Jagannath University
At JnU, activists of Chatradal, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, and the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) clashed over entry to a seminar marking the second anniversary of the 2024 July Uprising.
The clashes took place around noon in front of the university auditorium and later near the Shaheed Minar.
According to witnesses, JnUCSU leaders and activists attempted to enter the auditorium around 11am carrying placards demanding progress on the university’s second campus project, construction of temporary halls, improved medical centre facilities, and recruitment of doctors and technicians.
The protesters wanted to draw the attention of University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Mamun Ahmed, who attended the seminar as a guest. JnU Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Rais Uddin was also present.
Witnesses said an altercation began when Chatradal activists confronted JnUCSU leaders trying to enter the venue. JnUCSU members later staged a sit-in outside the auditorium.
After the seminar ended, another clash broke out near the Shaheed Minar. Several JnUCSU and Chhatra Shakti activists were injured, with some receiving treatment at National Medical Hospital in Old Dhaka.
JnUCSU Vice-President Riazul Islam alleged that Chatradal activists pushed their leaders and activists before the protest. Chhatra Shakti leader Shahin Mia also accused Chatradal activists of attacking them.
Rejecting the allegations, Jagannath University Chatradal Convener Mehedi Hasan Hemal claimed that activists affiliated with Shibir and allied groups had planned to disrupt the programme and insult the UGC chairman. He said several Chatradal activists were also injured.
Dhaka College brawl
At Dhaka College, the clash between leaders and activists of Shibir and Chatradal left at least 27 people injured.
The incident took place around 1pm at Gallery No 2 of the college.
According to Shibir leaders, the college unit had organised a discussion titled “Expectations and Achievements of the July Uprising” to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising.
They alleged that Chatradal activists attacked them while they were putting up banners for the programme.
At least 20 Shibir activists and seven Chatradal activists were injured in the clash, according to reports.
Shibir’s Dhaka College unit Finance Secretary Abdul Malek was among those injured and was admitted to Popular Medical College Hospital, party leaders said.
Office Secretary Mamun Sheikh alleged that Chatradal activists launched a sudden attack, while Dhaka College Chatradal Member Secretary Millad Hossain accused Shibir of launching a planned attack on Chatradal activists.
Dhaka College Principal Prof AKM Elias said he heard a procession inside the campus and later came to know that there had been a dispute between the two groups. He said the matter was reported to police.
New Market Zone Additional Deputy Commissioner Shawkat Ali said there was a chase and counter-chase between the two groups and police intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
Clash, chase-counter-chase at Alia Madrasah
A chase-counter-chase followed by a clash between Chatradal and Shibir men also took place at Alia Madrasah in the capital’s Bakshibazar area, leaving several injured.
The clash started around 4pm in front of National Medical College inside the madrasah campus under Chawkbazar Police Station.
Two injured Chatradal leaders were identified as Sanaullah, 30, former senior joint convener of the madrasah unit Chatradal, and Nishar Uddin Rabbi, 27, member secretary of Lalbagh Thana Chatradal and joint general secretary of Dhaka South City Chatradal.
They were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.
According to witnesses and hospital sources, Sanaullah and Rabbi were standing inside the campus when a group of 30 to 40 Shibir activists allegedly attacked them with rods, sticks and bricks.
Both sustained injuries and were rescued by students before being taken to the hospital.
Local and campus sources said tensions had been prevailing between the two groups since morning over allegations of controlling hall seats and establishing dominance on campus.
Additional police were deployed in the area to prevent further clashes.
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