At least five people, including the principal, were injured in an attack on a college allegedly by local BNP leaders and activists in Durgapur upazila on Thursday afternoon during the degree examination.

The incident occurred around 2:30pm at Daokandi Govt College, where the 2024 degree second-year examination was underway amid Section 144 in place in and around the examination centre and the police deployment.

According to witnesses and teachers, local BNP leaders and activists swooped on the principal’s office defying the restrictions and engaged in an argument over various issues, including alleged corruption that took place in the past.

The situation later escalated into an attack, during which the principal and several teachers were allegedly assaulted, and the college office was vandalised.

The injured include Principal Dr Md Abdur Razzaque, lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira, Prof Rezaul Karim Alam, and two other staff members.

The injured teachers were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment. Of them, the principal and Aleya Khatun Hira were reported to be in critical condition.

Following the incident, panic spread among examinees, forcing some teachers and students to flee the examination halls in fear.

Teachers alleged that the attack was carried out by around 40-50 BNP leaders and activists.

They also claimed that police were present at the scene during the incident but failed to effectively intervene.

However, BNP leaders blamed the college teachers for the situation, saying the clash erupted after a teacher slapped some of their activists.

They also said the incident stemmed from disputes over alleged corruption and irregularities at the college.

Durgapur Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Rafiqul Islam said law enforcers tried to calm the situation through discussions, but some individuals allegedly entered the college premises and carried out the attack and vandalism.

Police said legal action will be taken after receiving a formal complaint.