At least 10 people were injured on Wednesday morning as activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir clashed in several rounds at Barishal University.
The incident reportedly originated from allegations regarding the presence of outsiders in a Shibir rally titled “Indomitable July” (Odommo July).
Witnesses said an initial altercation broke out when JCD activists objected to the inclusion of outsiders in the procession, which soon escalated into violence and sequences of chase and counter-chase.
JCD members also engaged in a heated argument with university teachers regarding the permission granted for the Shibir programme.
Ashik Ahmed, senior vice-president of JCD university unit , alleged that Shibir activists brought outsiders onto the campus with flags tied to sticks.
He claimed that when they requested Shibir to conduct their programme without external elements, Shibir activists launched an attack, injuring five to six JCD members.
Conversely, the general secretary of Shibir university unit Zakaria Islam Babu, maintained that they were conducting a peaceful programme to commemorate the anniversary of July mass uprising.
He alleged that JCD activists attacked them as they were moving from the ground floor towards the vice-chancellor’s gate, resulting in injuries to approximately five Shibir activists.
Babu further claimed that the attack took place in the presence of the university administration, noting that the proctor’s attempts to intervene failed to stop the assault.
A formal complaint has been submitted to the vice-chancellor seeking justice for the incident.
Following the clashes, JCD activists remained inside the campus, bringing out intermittent anti-Shibir processions, while Shibir activists took up positions outside the premises.
While the university proctor could not be reached for comment, Belal Hossain, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Barishal Metropolitan Police, confirmed that additional police forces had been deployed.
“We arrived at the campus upon hearing of the clash between Shibir and Chhatra Dal. We have urged both sides to maintain peace,” he said.
