Two leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu), who previously gained notoriety for their alleged role in organising campus “mob” actions, say they have now become victims of a similar attack.
Literature and Cultural Affairs Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad and Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair were assaulted on Thursday, in an incident that has reignited debate over the use of mob-style tactics in campus politics.
The clash was triggered by a Facebook post that allegedly made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman.
The post heightened tensions between activists of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir, two rival student groups with a long history of confrontation.
The episode has drawn attention on social media, where many users pointed to past allegations that the same Ducsu leaders had been involved in organising similar actions against others.
Mob allegations against Musaddiq and Zubair
A number of past incidents involving the two Ducsu leaders have drawn scrutiny and fuelled debate over the use of “mob” tactics on campus.
After being elected to Ducsu, AB Zubair came into the spotlight in October last year for leading what was described as a campaign to remove street vendors, hawkers, drug users and vagrants from the Dhaka University campus.
The drive, along with allegations of mistreatment of a teacher, sparked controversy.
Both Zubair and Musaddiq have since remained at the centre of discussion, often criticised for what some described as aggressive rhetoric and actions. The issue has generated sharply divided opinions among students.
One of the most widely discussed incidents occurred on 11 December 2025, when a video circulated on social media showing Sociology Professor AKM Jamal Uddin being chased and confronted inside a faculty building.
In the footage, Zubair appears to grab the professor on a staircase as he tries to move away. The professor is seen attempting to free himself. He later gets into a car, while Zubair appears to try to pull him back.
After the incident, Zubair shared the video on Facebook, writing that he and four others had tried to detain a “fascist teacher”, but that the professor managed to leave in a vehicle.
Speaking at the time, Professor Jamal Uddin rejected the allegation.
“We had gone there for tea and snacks. There may be ideological differences between us, but I am his teacher. He cannot treat me this way,” he said.
Another incident on 7 March further highlighted tensions.
A group led by former Dhaka University student Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi held a programme playing the 7 March speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman over loudspeakers, in protest at the detention of a leader of the now-banned Chhatra League.
Leaders from Ducsu and Jatiya Chhatra Shakti took a counter-position nearby, leading to rising tensions between the two sides.
Witnesses said that after the programme began, a group led by Musaddiq arrived, triggering an argument that escalated into a physical altercation.
During the clash, a man identified as Abdullah Al Mamun, who was with Emi’s group, was beaten after being labelled a Chhatra League activist. Emi later alleged that she was also harassed.
Emi was later handed over to police and arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act. She remains in custody.
Musaddiq denied any involvement in the violence.
“No one can say that I physically assaulted anyone there,” he said. “I only took them to Shahbagh police station and asked the police to take action after investigation.”
What happened on Thursday
According to Chhatra Shibir, several of its members, including the two Ducsu leaders, were attacked when they went to Shahbagh police station.
Those injured allege that activists from Chhatra Dal carried out the assault, although the group has initially denied responsibility.
In response, Dhaka University authorities have formed two investigation committees to look into the incident.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Obaidul Islam said action would be taken after the committees submit their findings.
“The committees will submit their reports, and we will take action through the formal process,” he said.
Some students at Dhaka University say a number of Ducsu leaders linked to Chhatra Shibir, who were active in campus activities following the July uprising, drew criticism for allegedly organising a series of “mob” actions.
Among those most frequently mentioned are Musaddiq Ali and AB Zubair.
The shifting national political landscape has also reshaped dynamics on campus.
After BNP formed the government following the national election, its influence began to be felt in university politics.
Although a Shibir-backed panel won the 2025 Ducsu and hall union elections, the BNP’s student wing Chhatra Dal failed to secure a single seat.
However, following the change in state power, Chhatra Dal’s presence on campus has grown, intensifying tensions with Shibir and adding a new dimension to their rivalry.
‘Mob’ tactics of Shibir
Members of Chhatra Dal have accused activists linked to Chhatra Shibir of using “mob” tactics to establish control over Dhaka University campus.
Three Chhatra Dal leaders responsible for university and hall units, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Shibir-affiliated groups had turned to what they described as “mobocracy” following the fall of the Awami League government in July 2024.
They alleged that over the past two years, Shibir supporters had repeatedly taken the law into their own hands and been involved in mob violence.
Abdul Kader, a former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, alleged in a Facebook post that Shibir had used the post-July political environment to expand its influence.
“They tried to limit others’ political space and establish control on campus by creating mobs,” he wrote, adding that after 5 August, influence was exerted in residential halls in the name of general students.
Umama Fatema, a candidate for vice-president in the Ducsu elections, said the initiative to form student representative bodies in halls originated from the former vice-chancellor.
She said leaders linked to Shibir were at the time operating under the identity of “general students” and became involved in the process, which was framed as a way to address problems in the halls.
Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad denied all allegations against him, insisting his actions had followed democratic processes.
“Everything I have done has been within democratic norms,” he said. “Some say we organised mobs, while others claim we spread misinformation to hold rallies. No one can show that force was used or that anyone was harmed.”
He also called for a fair investigation into the recent attack.
