At least 14 people were injured in clashes between activists of Jubo Dal’s New Market unit and Chhatra Dal members, students of Dhaka College in New Market area on Tuesday evening.
The clashes broke out around 7:30pm near Balaka Cinema Hall over alleged extortion from footpath vendors and control of the area, according to witnesses and injured people.
The injured initially received treatment at Popular Hospital in Dhanmondi before several were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 10:30pm.
Witnesses said the incident began when Jubo Dal activists came to collect money from footpath vendors and Dhaka College Chhatra Dal members resisted. An altercation followed, during which several students were assaulted. According to the injured, a group of 40-50 people led by local Jubo Dal leaders later attacked Dhaka College Chhatra Dal members with sticks and knives.
After news of the attack spread, Dhaka College students and Chhatra Dal activists went to Bashundhara Goli near Priyangan Market, where another clash broke out. Vandalism, attacks and counter-attacks followed, creating panic in the area. Police later intervened and brought the situation under control.
Eight injured from the Dhaka College side were identified as its Chhatra Dal Joint Convener Prince Khandaker, 26; Suman Sikder, 28; convening committee member Sagar Khan, 32; Saymon Islam, 27; Mushfikur Rahim, 26; Jihadul Islam, 29; Shakib Hasan, 27; and Imran Hossain, 25.
Six injured from the Jubo Dal side were identified as Zakir, 50; another Zakir, 38; Suman, 28; Shah Alam, 28; Idris, 45; and Rakib, 32.
DMCH Police Camp In-charge Inspector Md Faruk said 14 injured people had come to the hospital for treatment as of 11:00pm. “The number may increase. The injured are receiving treatment at the emergency department,” he said.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Zahidul Islam confirmed that clashes had taken place between Jubo Dal and Dhaka College Chhatra Dal activists. “The situation was under police control as of 11:30pm. Police will investigate the incident and take legal action,” he said.
