Two rounds of clashes broke out between Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir on Chattogram Government City College campus today, injuring several people.
The clashes broke out on the college campus along New Market-Ice Factory Road. Later in the afternoon, Chhatra Dal activists held a protest march in the New Market-College Road and Nalapara area, demanding justice and calling for a “Shibir-free campus”.
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Photo: Rajib Raihan/Star
Police and City College sources said graffiti on a campus building, painted during the July-August (2024) movement, carried the words “student politics and Chhatra League-free campus”. Later, a group of Chhatra Dal activists led by its City College unit Joint Convener Abdullah Al Mamun erased the word “student” and replaced it with the word “gupto” (covert).
A video of the act was later circulated on social media from Mamun’s personal account, triggering tension between the two groups.
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Photo: Rajib Raihan/Star
A master’s examination was underway on campus at the time. The situation escalated as activists of both groups engaged in clashes.
Following the incident, Chhatra Shibir announced a press briefing and protest procession in the New Market area at 4:00pm. As processions from both sides came face to face around that time, they clashed once again. Chase and counter-chase ensued in front of the college, and brickbats were hurled from both sides.
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Photo: Rajib Raihan/Star
Witnesses said at least 10 people were injured after being hit by brickbats. The Daily Star correspondent saw two people being taken to a hospital on a rickshaw. A Shibir activist said one of their men was admitted to Parkview Hospital.
Traffic movement in the area came to a standstill amid panic. Shibir activists later moved toward Sadarghat Road.
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Photo: Rajib Raihan/Star
As the news of the clash spread, Chhatra Dal activists from different parts of Chattogram city gathered in the New Market area and took position in front of the college carrying sticks, and staged another procession.
Around 5:00pm, they assaulted a man on suspicion of being a Shibir activist. Police later rescued him, according to witness accounts.
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Photo: Rajib Raihan/Star
Former vice-president of city Chhatra Dal Sourav Priyo Paul told The Daily Star that their activists were attacked without provocation and alleged that Shibir targeted general students. “We demand justice and want coexistence on the campus,” he said.
Jahidul Alam Joy, publicity secretary of Chhatra Shibir’s Chattogram south city unit, alleged that Chhatra Dal activists carried out the attack. “We will present details at a press conference,” he said.
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Photo: Rajib Raihan/Star
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Police (South) Mahmudul Hasan said a tense situation remained in the New Market area following the incident in the afternoon.
“We are in talks with Chhatra Dal leaders, and additional police have been deployed to bring the situation under control,” he said.
