Campus violence exposes gaps in police action beyond immediate clash control

Over the past few days, clashes broke out at five educational institutions in Dhaka and elsewhere involving activists of the ruling BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and opposition Jamaat-e-Islami affiliated Islami Chhatra Shibir. 

In each case, police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control, but no subsequent legal action was taken against the alleged perpetrators.

Police at the concerned stations said they had not received complaints from university authorities or victims. They also said that unless a clash results in deaths or serious casualties, there is often little scope for police intervention.

However, police headquarters says officers can take action without waiting for a complaint if a clash disrupts public order or involves violations of law.

Experts say police intervention on university campuses is often complicated by institutional autonomy and political considerations. They argue that unless laws are applied impartially, regardless of political affiliation, violence and instability at educational institutions will continue to grow.

Clashes in five institutions, no legal action

At Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, JCD and Shibiractivists clashed on Monday, with the confrontation continuing from around 7:30pm until midnight, leaving at least five people injured.

The confrontation reportedly began after JCD activists objected to a Shibir exhibition titled "July Against July Oppression", where photographs of several individuals were displayed with captions referring to them as victims of "judicial killing".

University Proctor Dr Ferdous Rahman said those involved would be identified through video footage and action would be taken. An investigation committee was also expected to be formed.

However, Tajhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam told The Business Standard on Thursday that police had received no complaint from the university administration. He said police generally do not directly intervene in autonomous educational institutions and that the university administration had settled the dispute between the two groups.

The following day, Tuesday (4 August), clashes broke out at Jagannath University involving JCD, Shibir and Jatiya ChhatraShakti activists.

The confrontation began when representatives of the Jagannath University Central Students' Union, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Inqilab Mancha attempted to enter an event carrying placards demanding that construction of the university's second campus be handed over to the army, that temporary accommodation in Keraniganj be expedited, and that medical services at the university be improved.

JCD activists reportedly obstructed them. Later, after the event, several JCD activists allegedly attacked Jucsu Social Welfare Secretary and university Shibir Publicity Secretary MostafizurRahman near the Shaheed Minar. Shibir activists were also present, triggering a wider clash.

More than 50 Shibir activists were reportedly injured. Some of them were later attacked twice while seeking treatment at Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital.

Police escorted Shibir and Chhatra Shakti activists from the hospital by ambulance later that evening.

Although police immediately intervened to control the situation, no further action was taken because no formal complaint had been filed.

Kotwali Police OC KM Rabiul Islam said the university had asked police to strengthen security, which they did. Further action, he said, would be taken by the university administration.

At Sutrapur, where the hospital is located, police said they had immediately taken security measures to prevent further casualties. OC Motiur Rahman said legal action would follow if the university administration or any victim filed a complaint.

On the same day, clashes also took place between JCD and Shibir activists near Dhaka College in the New Market area and in front of Government Madrasa-e-Alia in Bakshi Bazar. Several people were injured and two crude bombs exploded near New Market.

Police brought both situations under control but no subsequent action was reported.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Lalbagh Division Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman said police generally take action on their own initiative in major incidents, while smaller clashes are dealt with based on complaints.

The following day, Wednesday (5 August), JCD and Shibiractivists clashed at the University of Barishal during a procession marking the anniversary of the July Mass Uprising. At least 10 people from both sides were injured.

University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mamun-or-Rashid said the situation had been resolved immediately and the campus was now calm. He said the proctorial body was looking into whether any legal action should be taken.

Barishal Metropolitan Police said they had received no complaint from either side. Police said they would investigate and take legal action if a complaint was filed.

Experts call for impartial action

Dr Touhidul Haque, associate professor at Dhaka University's Institute of Social Welfare and Research, said police cannot always take direct action at educational institutions, particularly autonomous universities. In many cases, they must coordinate with university authorities.

He said universities often prefer academic disciplinary measures – such as expulsion or suspension – over criminal proceedings. However, these measures are not always effectively implemented.

Political parties, he added, frequently interpret such incidents according to their own interests and blame one another, creating a "politics of blame".

According to Touhidul Haque, violence is sometimes used as a political tool, with incidents deliberately left unresolved to maintain control over those involved. Such a situation can allow campus influence, dominance and even extortion to continue.

He warned that if a culture of attacks and counter-attacks is tolerated, violence will increase. Unless effective and impartial action is taken above political interests, educational institutions will continue to experience violence and instability.

Police can take action without a complaint: Police HQ

AIG (Media and PR) of Police Headquarters AHM Shahadat Hossain said police do not always need to wait for a complaint.

"If a clash disrupts public order or reaches the level of a violation of law, police can take necessary action under existing laws without waiting for a complaint," he told The Business Standard.

He said police have the authority to control situations, ensure public safety and take legal action when crimes are committed.

In the recent incidents, he said, the relevant police units have taken or are taking necessary measures based on available information and legal considerations. If evidence of criminal activity is found, legal action will be taken against those responsible.