11 injured as Dhaka College Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal clash in New Market
Clashes reportedly stem from dispute over footpath extortion and control.
At least 11 people were injured in a series of clashes between Dhaka College Chhatra Dal activists and Jubo Dal leaders and activists in the capital's New Market area yesterday (11 August), reportedly over extortion and control of footpath businesses.
The clashes began in front of Balaka Cinema Hall under New Market Police Station, according to locals.
Eyewitnesses said some Jubo Dal activists went to collect money from footpath businesses in the evening, prompting Dhaka College students and Chhatra Dal activists to intervene.
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The Jubo Dal activists allegedly assaulted some of the students, who then returned to the college, they said.
The clashes resumed later in the night when a group of Jubo Dal activists allegedly attacked several Dhaka College Chhatra Dal activists, according to locals.
Several Dhaka College Chhatra Dal activists sustained serious injuries after allegedly being attacked with sticks and knives, eyewitnesses said.
The injured were identified as Dhaka College Chhatra Dal Joint Convener Prince Khandaker, Md Suman Sikder, Convening Committee Member Md Sagar Khan, Md Saimon Islam, Chhatra Dal members Mushfikur Rahim, Shakib Hasan and Imran Hossain, and Jihadul Islam, a student of the 2023-24 academic session.
They received treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and nearby hospitals.
Later, when news of the attack spread among Dhaka College students, they reportedly went to Bashundhara Gali near Priyangon Market and launched a counterattack, causing vandalism in the area, according to local sources.
The clashes and vandalism caused panic in the area.
Police went to the scene after the initial clash and tried to bring the situation under control.
Sheikh Zahidul Islam, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Ramna Division, said clashes between Jubo Dal and Dhaka College Chhatra Dal had occurred intermittently since the evening.
"People from both sides were injured in the incident. The situation was under police control until 11:30pm. Police will investigate the incident and take legal action," he said.
