Daffodil International University (DIU) emerged as champions of the inter-university football tournament, the ABG University Cup, after defeating American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) in the final held on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
However, following the match, DIU students, teachers, and officials were allegedly subjected to a sudden attack by a group of AIUB students carrying sticks outside the venue over the result of the match.
The attack and vandalism created panic and fear among students travelling on the university buses. Preliminary information indicates that more than 20 injured students received treatment at different hospitals, while several others are also receiving medical care.
In addition to student injuries, university teachers and officials were harassed during the incident.
During the violence, one air-conditioned (AC) bus and six non-AC buses belonging to DIU were damaged. Ambulances carrying injured DIU students, along with more than 30 university buses carrying approximately 1,000 students and officials, remained stranded at the venue for several hours.
The stranded buses, students, and officials were eventually able to leave the area safely following security assistance from police and Bashundhara Group personnel.
In an official statement, the DIU authorities praised the ABG University Cup, organised by Anvir-Bashundhara Group, as a commendable initiative to promote sports, interaction, harmony, and healthy competition among students, while helping build positive relationships and develop a strong sports culture in the country.
DIU appreciated the organisers and expressed sincere gratitude to the Bashundhara Group authorities for providing ambulance support to injured students as well as security assistance for their safe departure.
Condemning violence and unsportsmanlike behaviour over match outcomes, DIU emphasised that accepting victory and defeat as part of competition and showing respect to opponents are essential elements of true sportsmanship.
The university said that it expects a fair and impartial investigation into the incident to establish the facts and ensure appropriate action against those responsible. DIU also called on participating institutions to give due importance to mutual respect, discipline, and sportsmanship in inter-university competitions.
Hoping that commendable initiatives like the ABG University Cup will continue on a larger scale in the future in a safe, friendly, and sportsmanlike environment, DIU expected necessary steps to be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring and noted that its future participation in the tournament will be reviewed appropriately.
