Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shakti, JnUCSU activists clash at Jagannath University; several injured

Highlights

• Clashes erupted during July Uprising anniversary seminar at Jagannath University
• Dispute began over entry with protest placards
• Protesters demanded second campus and improved medical facilities
• Violence resumed near Shaheed Minar after seminar concluded
• Several JnUCSU, Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Dal activists were injured
• Rival groups blamed each other for triggering the clashes

Tensions flared at Jagannath University today (4 August) as activists of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shakti and the Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JnUCSU) clashed over entry to a seminar marking the second anniversary of the July Uprising, with both sides claiming several of their activists were injured.

The incident took place at around 12pm in front of the university auditorium and later near the Shaheed Minar, reports Prothom Alo.

According to witnesses, the university had organised the seminar to commemorate the anniversary of the July Uprising. At around 11am, JnUCSU leaders and activists, along with several students, attempted to enter the auditorium carrying placards highlighting a number of campus demands.

The placards called for progress on the university's second campus project, construction of temporary residential halls, improved laboratory facilities at the medical centre, and the recruitment of technicians and doctors. 

The protesters intended to draw the attention of Mamun Ahmed, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), who attended the seminar as a guest. Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Rais Uddin was also present.

Chatradal activists stage an anti-Shibir procession on Johnson Road near Jagannath University following clashes on campus on 4 August 2026. Photo: Rajib Dhar

Witnesses said an altercation broke out when Chhatra Dal activists confronted the JnUCSU leaders as they tried to enter the venue. JnUCSU members later staged a sit-in outside the auditorium, where several members of Inqilab Mancha were also present.

After the seminar ended, another clash erupted in front of the Shaheed Minar as participants were leaving the venue. Both sides claimed that several of their activists were injured.

Some of the injured JnUCSU and Chhatra Shakti leaders and activists were taken to National Medical Hospital in Old Dhaka for treatment.

Injured Shibir activists receive medical treatment at Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital following a clash with Chatradal activists. Photo: Rajib Dhar

JnUCSU Vice-President Riazul Islam said in a Facebook post that its leaders and activists had been pushed by Chhatra Dal members before staging the protest outside the auditorium.

Shahin Mia, president of Jagannath University unit of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, alleged that Chhatra Dal activists attacked them after the seminar ended.

He told Prothom Alo that Chhatra Dal activists assaulted Chhatra Shakti General Secretary Ferdous Sheikh, along with the JnUCSU vice-president, general secretary and assistant general secretary.

Police maintain a vigilant presence in front of Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital on 4 August 2026. Photo: Rajib Dhar

Rejecting the allegations, Jagannath University Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel said activists affiliated with Islami Chhatra Shibir and its allied groups had planned to disrupt the university's programme and insult UGC Chairman Mamun Ahmed.

"We politely asked them to move aside, but they refused. When they advanced, a clash ensued," he said, adding that several Chhatra Dal activists were also injured.