Despite strict controls at multiple entry points to restrict outsiders ahead of the FIFA World Cup final, Dhaka University authorities failed to keep the situation under control.
From 6:30pm on Sunday, members of the BNCC, Scouts, the proctorial team, and the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) were deployed at campus entrances. However, as crowds swelled, the situation quickly turned unruly.
At one stage in the Doel Chattar area, outsiders clashed with those on duty, leaving several proctorial committee members injured, including a female BNCC member.
A student was also hurt after being struck by a motorcycle belonging to outsiders. Witnesses reported arguments between duty officers and local residents who had entered the campus.
Dhaka University Proctor Associate Professor Md Israfil Prang said the administration halted screenings of matches on big screens at the Chattar to prevent chaos or untoward incidents.
Speaking to Times of Bangladesh, he explained that authorities wanted to avoid disorder arising from trouble or indecent activities.
Prang also said that while police action could have been taken, the administration instead allowed those already inside the campus to remain until the end to ensure the festival concluded peacefully.
On screenings elsewhere on campus, he said no final decision had yet been reached. The matter remains under review, with necessary steps to be taken after observing the situation.
Emphasising safety, the proctor said student security is always the administration’s highest priority but added that the festive atmosphere must also be balanced with national interests.
Looking ahead, he said that future events of this nature would be managed with more advanced planning and stronger security measures.
