At least 20 people have been injured in clashes between activists of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR).
The clashes broke out around 9pm over a banner at a Shibir‑organised exhibition that displayed photographs of individuals convicted of war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. The violence continued until 1am on Tuesday.
The confrontation lasted nearly three hours, with both groups chasing each other, throwing bricks and chairs, and attacking with sticks.
Afterwards, Shibir activists took position near the university’s main gate, while Chhatra Dal members gathered near a mosque at Park Mor. Police were deployed to control the situation.
The injured included former Shibir president Sohel Rana, current secretary Imran Khan Saurav, activists Mehdi Hasan, Baizid Shikdar, Mursalin, and Chhatra Dal leader Ashik. All received primary treatment and later returned home.
Witnesses said Shibir’s exhibition, titled “July Against Oppression”, displayed photos of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders alongside former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Chhatra Dal opposed the banner portraying war criminals as victims of “judicial killing”.
Shibir office secretary Shibli Sadik alleged Chhatra Dal pressured them to remove the banner and attacked them. Chhatra Dal President Md Yamin said Shibir activists threw chairs when they demanded removal of the photos.
BRUR Proctor Ferdous Rahman said a probe committee has been formed, and video footage would be scrutinised. Tajhat Police Station Officer-in-charge Rafikul Islam confirmed police intervention but said no written complaint had been filed.
Vice‑Chancellor Prof Md Showkat Ali said disciplinary action would follow after reviewing footage. He also alleged banned Chhatra League might be trying to create unrest.
Additional police remain deployed to maintain order.
