At least five people, including the principal, sustained injuries in an attack on a college allegedly carried out by local BNP leaders and activists in Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi on Thursday afternoon during an ongoing degree examination.
The incident took place around 2:30pm at Daokandi Government College, where the 2024 degree second-year examination was underway. Section 144 remained in force in and around the examination centre, with police deployed at the site.
According to witnesses and teachers, local BNP leaders and activists entered the principal’s office defying restrictions and engaged in an argument over several issues, including alleged past corruption.
The situation later escalated into an attack. The principal and several teachers were allegedly assaulted, and the college office was vandalised.
The injured include Principal Md Abdur Razzaque, lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira, Professor Rezaul Karim Alam and two other staff members.
They were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment. Doctors said the principal and Aleya Khatun Hira were in critical condition.
Following the incident, panic spread among examinees. Some teachers and students fled the examination halls in fear.
Teachers alleged that around 40 to 50 BNP leaders and activists carried out the attack. They also claimed police were present at the scene but failed to intervene effectively.
BNP leaders, however, blamed the college teachers for the clash. They said the incident began after a teacher allegedly slapped some of their activists.
They also said the confrontation stemmed from disputes over alleged corruption and irregularities at the college.
Durgapur Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Rafiqul Islam said law enforcers tried to control the situation through discussions. However, some individuals entered the college premises and carried out the attack and vandalism.
He said legal action would be taken after receiving a formal complaint.
