There have been repeated clashes between the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JACSU) and Jatiya Chhatrashakti leaders and activists over a discussion meeting organized at Jagannath University (JU) to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising. At least 50 leaders and activists from both sides were injured in the violence.

The clashes spread from noon to 4 pm on Tuesday (August 4) in the university auditorium, Shaheed Minar premises and the adjacent Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital area.

According to campus sources, JACSU representatives tried to enter the auditorium holding placards demanding the speedy implementation of the university’s second campus, construction of temporary housing and ensuring adequate doctors and lab facilities at the medical center. University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Mamun Ahmed was present as the chief guest at the event. The special guest was JOBI Vice Chancellor Professor Md. Raish Uddin.

When they tried to attract the attention of the UGC Chairman, a scuffle broke out between the leaders and activists of the university branch Chhatra Dal who were stationed at the entrance. At one stage, it turned into a chase and counter-chase. At that time, members of the Inquilab Mancha also joined the JACSU.

After the discussion meeting, the two sides again clashed face-to-face in the Shaheed Minar area. The entire area turned into a battlefield. When the injured were taken to the Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital for treatment, an attack also occurred there.

The victims alleged that at around 3 pm, leaders and activists of the Kabi Nazrul Government College and Suhrawardy College branches of Chhatra Dal entered the hospital and attacked some of the patients undergoing treatment.

Maqbul Hossain, the doctor in charge of the emergency department of the Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital, said that at least 50 injured people received primary treatment from 1 pm to 4 pm. 15 to 20 of them have been admitted to the hospital. Most of them had serious head injuries. As their initial condition was critical, 4 to 5 people were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

Regarding the incident, Shahin Mia, president of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti’s JOB branch, complained, “We were peacefully going towards Shaheed Minar after the seminar. At that time, Chhatra Dal cadres launched an ambush. In this, JOCSUR VP, GS, AGS and our general secretary Ferdous Sheikh were seriously injured.”

However, JOB branch Chhatra Dal convener Mehedi Hasan Himel denied the allegations. He said, Shibir and its allies had planned to harass the invited guests including the UGC chairman. Even though we requested them to leave, they behaved provocatively. This created an unpleasant situation. Many leaders and activists of our party were also injured in the incident.