Campus journalist among 15 injured in alleged planned attack at Barishal University
Several journalists covering the incident said that they were also assaulted while collecting information and that their mobile phones were snatched when they attempted to record videos of the attack.
At least 15 students, including a campus journalist, were injured in what victims described as a premeditated attack allegedly carried out by a group of students from the Mathematics Department at Barishal University.
The incident occurred around 9:30pm last night (18 July) in front of the Novo Theatre adjacent to the university campus.
Among those seriously injured were Abu Ubaida, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism and campus correspondent for Asia Post, and Abdul Kader Jibon. Eight other students from the same department were also injured. Students from the Bangla, Public Administration, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Accounting and English departments were also among the victims.
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The injured were rescued and admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.
According to eyewitnesses and the injured students, the incident stemmed from the alleged publication of a video on the Barishal University Press Club's Facebook page showing what was described as an "unethical activity" involving Arfan Sifat, a Mathematics Department student from the 2021–22 academic session.
The victims alleged that Abu Ubaida, general secretary of the university Press Club, and journalist Abdul Kader Jibon were called to the Novo Theatre area under the pretext of discussing the issue. They claim the two were then ambushed and assaulted, allegedly led by Arfan Sifat.
Students from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism rushed to rescue their classmates but were also allegedly detained and beaten for an extended period.
Students from the Public Administration, Coastal and Disaster Management, and English departments who attempted to intervene were reportedly attacked as well.
Eyewitnesses said around 40 to 50 students armed with sticks, iron rods, pipes, and bricks took part in what they described as a pre-planned assault.
According to reports, five leaders and activists of the university unit of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) were also injured. University unit JCD General Secretary Arif Hossain Shanto and several other party leaders expressed anger over the incident.
Several journalists covering the incident also alleged harassment. Abdullah Al Mamun of Ajkaler Kantho and Masud Rana, university correspondent for Daily Amar Desh, said they were assaulted while collecting information and that their mobile phones were snatched when they attempted to record videos of the attack.
Based on eyewitness accounts and videos circulating after the incident, Arfan Sifat and Mohammad Hasan, a student from the same academic session and sports secretary of the university unit of JCD, allegedly led the attack. Students identified as Imti, Riaz and Naim from the 2024–25 academic session, along with around 40 to 50 others, were also accused of taking part.
Other injured students from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism include Amio Mondal, Ripon Mondal and Nahid Islam of the 2022–23 academic session, and Abdul Kader Emon of the 2024–25 session. Tanzil from the Public Administration Department, Sifat from CSE, Maruf from Accounting, and Ahnaf from the English Department were also injured.
Speaking from the hospital, Abdul Kader Jibon said, "Around 20–30 people attacked me suddenly with sticks and other weapons. I am now admitted to the hospital. I demand quick identification of those responsible and exemplary punishment."
Repeated attempts to contact Arfan Sifat and Mohammad Hasan were unsuccessful, as neither answered their phones.
Chairman of the Mathematics Department Dr Bijoy Krishna Saha said, "I have not yet received any written complaint. The Mathematics Department and the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism will discuss the matter with the Proctor's Office today. Once we receive written complaints, we will investigate and take action against those responsible."
Mohammad Imran Hossain, student adviser and assistant professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, "I rushed to the scene immediately after hearing about the incident. Eight to nine students from our department suffered serious injuries. We immediately sent them to hospital for treatment."
University Proctor Mehdi Hasan Sohag said, "We have asked both sides to submit written complaints. After receiving the complaints, we will form an investigation committee and make every effort to ensure a fair resolution as quickly as possible."
