United News of Bangladesh

At least 10 people were injured in several rounds of clashes between leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal and Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur on Monday night, leaving the campus tense. The clashes began over a banner displayed at a Shibir-organised exhibition featuring photographs of several people convicted of war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. The confrontation started around 7:30pm and continued for nearly three hours, with the two groups engaging in chases, throwing bricks and chairs, and attacking each other with sticks. After the clashes, the two groups remained positioned against each other on the campus until around 12:20am. Shibir activists took position near the university's main gate, while Chhatra Dal activists gathered near a mosque at Park Mor on the Rangpur-Lalmonirhat-Kurigram road. Additional police were deployed on the campus to bring the situation under control. The injured included former university Shibir president Sohel Rana, current secretary Imran Khan Saurav, activist Mehdi Hasan , Baizid Shikdar, Mursalin and Chhatra Dal leader Ashik. All 10 injured people received primary treatment and later returned home. The campus was calm on Tuesday morning, although tension was still prevailing in the area. According to witnesses and sources, the university Shibir unit organised an exhibition titled “July Against Oppression” throughout Monday. The exhibition displayed photographs of several political figures, describing some of them as victims of “judicial killing.” Chhatra Dal activists objected to a banner portraying BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, who was convicted of war crimes, as a victim of judicial killing and demanded its removal. An argument between the two groups over the banner soon escalated into a clash. Shibli Sadik, office secretary of the university Shibir unit, alleged that Chhatra Dal activists pressured them to remove the banner. He said they wanted to leave the matter to the university administration, but Chhatra Dal activists attacked them. “We tried to stop after the situation became relatively calm following the arrival of the proctor. But they suddenly attacked again with sticks and bricks. We tried to resist the attack,” he said. Begum Rokeya University Chhatra Dal president Md Yamin said photographs of Jamaat leaders including Golam Azam, Abdul Quader Mollah and Motiur Rahman Nizami had been displayed alongside a photograph of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at the exhibition. We asked them to remove those photographs. They responded by throwing chairs, and one of our activists was injured, he said. University Proctor Dr Ferdous Rahman said those involved in the clashes would be identified by reviewing video footage. “A probe committee will be formed and necessary action will be taken quickly,” he said. Officer-in-Charge of Tajhat Police Station under Rangpur Metropolitan Police Rafikul Islam, said police reached the campus soon after receiving information about the clash. “There was a physical altercation between Chhatra Dal and Chhatrashibir. No written complaint has been filed so far. The situation is currently under control,” he said. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Showkat Ali said the administration would examine video footage and take disciplinary action against anyone found involved. The vice-chancellor also alleged that banned Bangladesh Chhatra League could be trying to create instability on the campus and urged everyone to remain alert. Additional police have been deployed across the campus to maintain order.