A group of students at Jagannath University (JnU) clashed with university administration and other students late on Tuesday after attempting to draw the Pakistani flag on the main gate to protest past atrocities, campus sources and witnesses say. Two journalists also allege they were attacked while reporting on the incident.
The incident took place at about 12:30am on 16 December, Victory Day, at the university’s main gate.
Farhad Ibn Basit, a student of the 2019–20 academic session, said they wanted to depict the flag as part of expressing rejection of Pakistan’s past brutality. “When we began, several assistant proctors arrived and stopped us,” he said. “They asked why we had not taken permission to draw. They argued with us before leaving the spot.”
Farhad said when they resumed drawing later, students from As-Sunnah Hall suddenly approached and attacked them near the proctor’s office. “They shouted that there must be no flag here because reconciliation with Pakistan has already taken place,” he added.
Journalists covering the incident were among those targeted, according to witnesses. Multimedia reporter Minhajul Islam of Kaler Kantho and Janakantha correspondent Omar Faruk Jilon were injured along with other students.
Jagannath University student and Janakantho correspondent Omar Faruk Jilon explained the situation saying, a group of students drew the Pakistani flag at the university’s main gate to express hatred against Pakistan’s atrocities.
At that time, Assistant Proctor Mohammad Ali stopped them and threatened to expel the students involved in drawing the flag. When they attempted to draw it again later, Proctor Professor Tajammul Haque also intervened and tried to stop them.
Multimedia reporter Minhajul Islam said “I was collecting live footage when some students at As-Sunnah Hall obstructed my work. When I asked why they were blocking me, they assaulted me in front of the proctor. I want justice for this attack.”
Professor Muhammad Tajammul Haque, proctor of Jagannath University, said he was present at the scene and tried to mediate between both sides. “I attempted to resolve the issue, but an unexpected situation occurred,” he said.
“We will review CCTV footage, investigate and take appropriate action against those responsible” he added.
The university has not yet announced disciplinary action, but officials say they will investigate the matter after reviewing evidence.
