Allegations of extortion have emerged following a violent confrontation between a female instructor and local political activists at a college in Durgapur, Rajshahi.
The incident took place on Thursday at Daokandi Government College during an ongoing degree examination, when individuals linked to BNP allegedly entered the campus. They have been accused of carrying out an attack, vandalising property and assaulting the principal and several members of staff.
At least five people, including the principal and the female instructor, were injured.
Dispute over money demands
Teachers allege that local BNP-affiliated groups had been demanding money from the college for some time. On the day of the incident, they reportedly came seeking financial contributions for a religious gathering.
When the college authorities refused, the group began raising allegations of financial irregularities, leading to rising tensions.
Several video clips of the incident have since circulated widely on social media.
Altercation captured on video
According to witnesses and college sources, the confrontation began when a BNP activist made inappropriate remarks towards instructor Aleya Khatun Hira. This led to an argument that quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
Footage appears to show the lecturer slapping the activist, who then retaliated by striking her with a sandal. During the incident, one of her mobile phones fell from her hand.
The altercation continued for some time while many bystanders did not intervene, allowing the situation to worsen.
In another video, Hira is seen pushing a BNP activist to the ground on the college premises. Witnesses said she had earlier been subjected to abusive and offensive remarks by several individuals.
Escalation into wider violence
Witnesses said several BNP leaders, including local Joynagar union vice-president Akbar Ali, Shahadat Ali and Abdus Samad, entered the office of principal Abdur Razzak.
They reportedly demanded money for a Quranic interpretation gathering and asked to review financial records from both the current and previous administrations. This led to a heated exchange between the activists and teachers.
At this point, Hira intervened and began recording the situation on her phone. When one of the activists attempted to stop her and made remarks, she slapped him. He then allegedly struck her with his sandal and pulled her by her headscarf.
Teachers allege that the situation escalated further, with activists attacking the principal and other staff members. College offices were vandalised, and several teachers’ mobile phones were reportedly damaged.
Witnesses also said Hira was involved in another physical confrontation on the college grounds during the unrest.
Injuries and panic
Those injured include principal Abdur Razzak, lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira, professor Rezaul Karim Alam and two staff members.
Instructor Hira sustained injuries to her face, arms and neck, with two fingers on her right hand reported to be seriously injured. The principal suffered injuries to his head, nose and forehead.
Both were said to be in serious condition and were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The incident caused panic among students sitting examinations, with some candidates, invigilators and teachers leaving the campus out of fear.
Questions have also been raised about the conduct of police personnel present at the scene.
Conflicting accounts
Principal Abdur Razzak said he had faced repeated demands for large sums of money from different groups since taking office.
He claimed the attack took place because he refused to comply.
Hira said individuals had repeatedly visited the college under the pretext of reviewing accounts but were in fact seeking money. She said supporting the principal led to her being targeted.
However, Akbar Ali, a vice-president of the Joynagar union BNP unit, rejected the allegations. He said there had been long-standing irregularities and corruption at the college and that activists had gone there to demand accountability.
He also alleged that Hira initiated the physical confrontation.
Police response
Rafiqul Islam, an investigating officer at Durgapur police station, said officers had been deployed in advance due to concerns about possible unrest.
He said police held repeated discussions with both teachers and activists in an attempt to calm the situation. “Despite our efforts, some individuals entered the college and carried out attacks and vandalism,” he said.
Officer-in-charge Panchananda Sarkar said additional police were sent to the scene and the situation was now under control.
“I have recently joined the station and am taking the matter seriously. No written complaint or case has been filed so far. However, if allegations are received, legal action will be taken following an investigation,” he said.
Expulsion after campus violence
BNP has taken organisational action following the spread of video footage showing vandalism at the college, assaults on the principal and teachers, and an attack on the female staffer.
In a statement issued on Friday, senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced that Akbar Ali, vice-president of the party’s Joynagar union unit in Durgapur upazila, had been expelled from the party.
The statement said he was removed from primary membership and all party positions over “clear allegations of involvement in activities contrary to party policy, ideals and discipline.”
