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admin 4 Aug 2026 , 10:06 AM Print Edition
Online Desk :
Several students and journalists were injured after clashes erupted among activists of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiya Chhatra Shakti at Jagannath University (JnU) on Tuesday, following a dispute over a protest programme on campus.
Among the injured were Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) Vice-President Riazul Islam, General Secretary and JnU unit Shibir President Abdul Alim Arif, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti President Shahin Mia, JCD leader Yasin Saif and several journalists.
According to witnesses, the violence broke out around 11:30am outside the university’s central auditorium while a documentary screening programme was taking place in the presence of University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof SMA Faiz.
Witnesses said several JnUCSU representatives and members of Inquilab Mancha attempted to enter the venue carrying placards demanding that the construction of the university’s second campus be handed over to the army, the temporary housing project in Keraniganj be implemented without delay, and healthcare services at the university medical centre be improved.
JCD activists allegedly prevented them from entering the auditorium, leading to an argument that quickly escalated into a clash.
Following the incident, tensions spread across the campus as JCD leaders and activists staged a sit-in programme demanding the removal of Shibir from the university.
JnUCSU General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif alleged that they had been obstructed while trying to peacefully raise their demands. He claimed JCD activists later attacked them with sticks, injuring several students and vandalising the university medical centre.
Arif also alleged that some teachers supported the attackers and demanded a proper investigation, punishment for those responsible and immediate action by the university administration. He warned that Shibir would announce protest programmes if no action was taken within the stipulated time.
Rejecting the allegations, JCD unit Member Secretary Shamsul Arefin said the claims were an attempt to divert attention from what he described as the failure of JnUCSU and the activities of Jamaat-Shibir across the country.
He alleged that similar attempts to create unrest had occurred at Begum Rokeya University and accused Shibir of continuing what he called a “mob culture” since August 5, 2024. He added that general students had resisted efforts that, according to him, undermined their right to housing.
Jatiya Chhatra Shakti President Shahin Mia said 10 to 12 people were injured in the attack.
“I was kicked in the face, nose, legs and hands. They assaulted us indiscriminately and injured several of our members. Our General Secretary Ferdous Sheikh was also injured,” he said.
Socialist Students’ Front President Ivan Tahsiv criticised the obstruction of students carrying placards, calling it undemocratic. He alleged that JCD activists attacked peaceful demonstrators, including members of JnUCSU, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, Inquilab Mancha and Shibir, and claimed to have witnessed a Shibir activist being assaulted by 20 to 30 people.
He said the university administration’s silence had created insecurity among students and urged it to take effective measures to end what he described as “occupational politics” on campus.
University Proctor Prof Nasir Uddin said a programme marking the July movement was underway when a group attempted to create disorder outside the auditorium.
“We suspect anti-July forces may have been behind the incident. We will investigate whether activists of the banned Chhatra League were involved,” he said.
Officer-in-Charge of Sutrapur Police Station Matiur Rahman said the situation on and around the campus had returned to normal by around 1:20pm following police intervention.
The latest violence came a day after clashes between JCD and Chhatra Shibir at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, where at least seven people were injured over a banner displayed at a July Uprising exhibition.
