Rangpur: At least 10 individuals were injured during multiple clashes between members of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal and Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir at Begum Rokeya University. The incidents, which took place on Monday night, have left the university campus in a tense state.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the clashes erupted over a banner at a Shibir-organised exhibition. The banner featured photographs of several individuals convicted of war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War, sparking controversy. The confrontation began around 7:30 PM and lasted for nearly three hours, involving pursuits, brick and chair throwing, and stick attacks between the two groups.
Post-clash, both factions maintained positions against each other on the campus until about 12:20 AM. Shibir activists were stationed near the university’s main gate, while Chhatra Dal members gathered near a mosque on the Rangpur-Lalmonirhat-Kurigram road. Additional police were deployed to manage the situation.
Among the injured were former university Shibir president Sohel Rana, current secretary Imran Khan Saurav, activist Mehdi Hasan, Baizid Shikdar, Mursalin, and Chhatra Dal leader Ashik. All received primary treatment and later returned home. By Tuesday morning, while the campus appeared calm, underlying tension persisted.
Witnesses and sources revealed that the university’s Shibir unit had organised an exhibition titled ‘July Against Oppression.’ This exhibition included photographs of various political figures, with some described as victims of ‘judicial killing.’ Chhatra Dal activists objected to a banner depicting BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury as a judicial killing victim, demanding its removal, which escalated into a clash.
Shibli Sadik, office secretary of the university Shibir unit, claimed that Chhatra Dal activists pressured them to remove the banner and attacked them. He mentioned attempts to defuse the situation after the proctor’s arrival, but the violence resumed with sudden attacks from Chhatra Dal.
Md Yamin, president of Begum Rokeya University’s Chhatra Dal, stated that the exhibition displayed photographs of Jamaat leaders alongside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. They requested the removal of these images, which was met with violence, injuring one of their activists.
University Proctor Dr. Ferdous Rahman announced that those involved would be identified through video footage review, and a probe committee would be formed for necessary action. Officer-in-Charge of Tajhat Police Station, Rafikul Islam, confirmed that the situation was under control, although no written complaints had been filed.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Md Showkat Ali stated that disciplinary actions would be taken against those involved, hinting at potential involvement of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League to destabilize the campus. Enhanced police presence continues to maintain order.