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Rangpur: At least 20 people were injured after repeated clashes erupted between activists of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur.
According to reports, the university’s Chhatra Shibir unit had been holding a previously announced program, titled “July Against Oppression,” with administrative permission since Monday morning at the Independence Memorial Ground. The event featured documentary screenings on an LED screen along with banners and festoons highlighting significant events from July and previous years.
The dispute began when Chhatra Dal objected to one of the festoons, which displayed images of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders convicted of war crimes, including Abdul Quader Mollah, Motiur Rahman Nizami, Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, Mir Quasem Ali, as well as BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury (Saka Chowdhury). Around 7:30 p.m., Chhatra Dal activists went to the venue demanding the removal of the festoon, leading to a heated argument between the two groups.
The confrontation soon turned violent as Chhatra Dal members allegedly threw chairs and bricks, prompting Chhatra Shibir activists to retaliate with sticks. The two sides engaged in repeated attacks and counterattacks.
Among those injured were former BRUR Chhatra Shibir president Sohel Rana, current secretary Imran Khan Saurav, BRUR central students’ union (BRACSU) general secretary candidate Mehdi Hasan from the Shibir-backed panel, Baitul Mal Secretary Baizid Shikdar, Mursalin, Chhatra Dal leader Ashik, and several other activists from both groups.
Expressing regret over the incident, BRUR Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said the university administration would provide all necessary assistance to those injured. He also alleged that members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League were attempting to create instability and urged everyone to remain vigilant against any disruptive elements entering the campus.
The vice-chancellor added that the administration would review video footage of the incident and take disciplinary action against anyone found responsible, regardless of the