Clashes between Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir at Chattogram Government City College have triggered counter-protests at Chittagong University (CU), where both groups staged separate processions last night.
At around 9:30pm yesterday, the CU unit of JCD brought out a protest march from Zero Point, demanding a ban on what it described as “covert politics” and calling for those responsible for the earlier violence to be brought to justice.
About an hour later, activists of Chhatra Shibir held a separate procession at the same location, demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack.
The JCD procession marched from Zero Point through Suhrawardy Hall, AF Rahman Hall and in front of Alaol Hall before ending at Gate No 2, with participants chanting slogans.
Addressing a rally, Organising Secretary Sazzad Hossain Hriday alleged that individuals who had previously carried out attacks in disguise were behind the latest incident.
“This is not the era of violent ‘rogkata’ (vein-cutting) politics of the 1990s. We will resist such forces alongside general students,” he said.
General Secretary Abdullah Al Noman said the protest was organised in response to attacks on general students and JCD activists. He also called for a ban on "covert" political activities on campuses.
Meanwhile, Chhatra Shibir’s procession followed a route from Zero Point through Suhrawardy Hall and Alaol Hall areas before returning to its starting point.
Speaking at a rally, Organising Secretary Habibullah Khaled said violence had long persisted on campuses and alleged that some groups continued to be involved in such activities.
“Any attack will be met with resistance. We urge everyone to raise their voices against this,” he said.
CU unit president of Shibir and Cucsu Vice-President Ibrahim Rony said multiple parties were involved in the earlier clashes and called for a peaceful campus environment.
“If those responsible are not arrested promptly, the situation may escalate,” he said.
At least 20 people were injured in a series of clashes between the two groups at Chattogram Government City College. The violence reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the use of the word “gupto” (covert) in graffiti.
