Ten Injured in Barishal University Student Clash
A clash broke out today between two student groups at the University of Barishal. It involved Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir. At least ten people from both sides were injured. The violence happened during a procession. This procession marked the anniversary of the July Mass Uprising.
The incident took place between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on Wednesday. Students and campus sources saw the events. The University of Barishal unit of Chhatra Shibir organized a procession. They called it “Odommo July.” It was to remember the July Mass Uprising.
The procession began near the Academic Building. It was moving towards the Vice-Chancellor’s residence gate. At this point, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists objected. They said outsiders were in the procession.
This objection led to a heated verbal fight. It quickly turned into physical violence. The two groups fought several times. This caused fear and panic throughout the campus.
Ashik Ahmed is a senior vice-president of the Barishal unit of Chhatra Dal. He stated Chhatra Shibir brought outsiders. These outsiders carried flags on sticks. He claimed Chhatra Dal asked them to remove the outsiders. Then, Chhatra Shibir activists attacked them. He said five to six Chhatra Dal members were injured.
Zakaria Islam, general secretary of the university unit of Chhatra Shibir, gave a different story. He said his group was peacefully holding their program. As their procession neared the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, Chhatra Dal attacked them. He reported at least five Chhatra Shibir activists were injured. He also said university officials were present during the attack.
The university’s Proctor, Mehedi Hasan, later spoke. He was busy helping injured students get to the hospital. He said he would provide more details later. After the clash, tension continued at the university. Authorities have sent more police officers to the campus.
Belal Hossain, an assistant commissioner of Barishal Metropolitan Police, commented. Police arrived at the campus after getting news of the clash. They deployed extra police officers right away. Police urged both student groups to stay calm.
This clash is part of a recent trend. Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir also clashed yesterday, Tuesday. These incidents happened at Jagannath University, Dhaka College, and Government Madrasah-E-Alia. More than 50 leaders and activists were injured there. Tensions lasted until the evening.
Earlier on Monday, the two groups also fought. This took place at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. These recent events mean Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir have clashed at four universities in two days.
