15 injured in violent clash between Chhatra Dal and Shibir at Ctg police station

At least 15 people were injured during a violent late-night clash between members of the BNP's student wing Chhatra Dal and Jamaat-e-Islami's student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir at Chawkbazar Police Station premises in Chattogram in the early hours of today (22 July). 

Four of the injured have been hospitalised.

The violence erupted around midnight following a dispute over the detention of a young man. According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated when both groups engaged in multiple phases of clashes that lasted until 2:00am today.

The injured include Mohammad Faisal, Rafi Nur, Robel, and Mamun, all of whom have been admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Police and witnesses said the incident began after Chhatra Dal activists detained a youth, claiming he was a member of the Awami League's student wing, Chhatra League, and handed him over to police. However, Shibir activists reportedly arrived at the police station demanding his release, referring to him as a "July fighter," a term often used by Jamaat-linked groups for their activists.

Tensions quickly escalated into physical altercations. Eyewitnesses reported that both sides stormed the police station premises and clashed in front of law enforcement officers. Police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, but the violence spread across surrounding areas, from Chanmari Road to Gulzar Mor. Sounds of gunfire were also heard during the clashes.

Video footage shared on social media showed chaotic scenes outside the police station, with participants wielding sticks and iron rods in running battles. Several injured individuals were seen being rushed to the hospital, visibly bloodied.

Witnesses confirmed that at least two Shibir activists and two Chhatra Dal activists sustained gunshot wounds. However, the CMCH authority did confirm bullet injuries.

Sabbir Ahmed, joint convener of Chattogram Metropolitan Chhatra Dal, claimed, "Our activists detained someone who had previously attacked many of us. But Shibir leaders came to the station to release him. When our members protested, they were attacked."

Siraji Manik, publicity secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan (North) Islami Chhatra Shibir, said, "The person handed over to the police is a July fighter. Our activists and general students went to protest his detention, but Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal activists attacked us."

Chawkbazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Zahedul Kabir said, "Tension arose over handing over a youth to the police. We brought the situation under control quickly."

Authorities are investigating the incident, but no arrests have been reported as of Tuesday morning. The situation in Chawkbazar remains tense.