Tensions are rising at Dhaka University after members of a rival student group allegedly assaulted leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir, deepening a power struggle over control of residential halls.
The incident, which took place in Shahbagh and spread across social media late on Thursday, has left the campus on edge, with both sides trading accusations and mobilising supporters.
Leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, said they would not allow what they described as “secret politics” by Shibir on campus. Shibir, student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, denied the accusation and said it was trying to avoid confrontation.
“We do not want conflict,” said Al Maruf, a Shibir leader and member of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union. “Their politics relies on force. We will continue working for students.”
JCD leaders said they would resist any activities they believe undermine student interests.
The clash follows months of mounting rivalry between the two groups over control of dormitories, a key source of political influence at the university.
Since a mass uprising in 2024, Shibir has held de facto control of many residential halls. Its position was strengthened after a strong showing in student union elections. But a recent landslide national election victory by the BNP has emboldened JCD activists, who are seeking to expand their presence on campus.
The contest has increasingly spilled into open confrontation.
Graffiti accusing Shibir of operating covertly has appeared across several halls, including Shahidullah Hall and Bijoy Ekattor Hall, prompting counter-slogans and protests. Efforts by university staff to remove the writings and calm tensions have had limited effect.
In one instance, Shibir supporters blocked JCD activists from writing slogans, triggering protests outside a dormitory. In another, graffiti inside a hall’s guest room drew sharp criticism from Shibir leaders, who described it as “political provocation”.
A screenshot circulating on social media late on Thursday further inflamed tensions, culminating in the reported assault on several Shibir-linked student leaders at a police station in Shahbagh.
Political analysts warn the situation could deteriorate.
“The conflict is driven by a struggle for dominance,” said Sabir Ahmed, a professor of political science at the university. “Without firm action by authorities, violence could escalate in the coming days.”
The developments follow recent clashes between the same groups at a government college in Chattogram, which have already heightened political tensions nationwide.
Control of campus halls has long been central to student politics in Bangladesh, providing influence over accommodation, recruitment and mobilisation.
With neither side showing signs of backing down, students and staff fear the standoff could turn more violent.
