Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem has called for legal action against police officers who he failed to intervene during a violent clash at Government City College in Chattogram.

After submitting a memorandum at the Chattogram police commissioner’s office, Shadik demanded accountability for officers present during Tuesday’s confrontation between Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists.

The memorandum, submitted by Shibir’s Chattogram Metropolitan South unit, sought the arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in what it described as a “criminal attack” on teachers, students and its activists.

Several people were injured in the clash, which followed escalating tensions over graffiti on campus.

Witnesses said Shibir activists had painted a slogan calling for “student politics and a Chhatra League-free campus”, which was later defaced—triggering heated exchanges online and confrontations that spilled into violence.

Shadik claimed more than 30 Shibir activists were injured, adding that ward president Ashraful Islam was in critical condition.

“We have gathered footage of the attack and handed it to police,” he said.

He questioned why officers did not act despite alleged attacks using machetes and hockey sticks.

“We want a democratic campus environment. Those who bring in outsiders and attack students must be identified and brought to justice,” he said.

The memorandum also called for a neutral investigation, visible campus security measures, and a probe into alleged police negligence.

Police assured action would be taken, Shadik said, but added: “Now we want to see whether their actions match their words.”

Warning of legal steps if justice is not delivered, he said students would not tolerate a return to “muscle power politics”.

He also urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the home minister to issue clear directives, saying: “Campuses are for education—not violence carried out with impunity.”