Chhatra Dal-Shibir clash at Dhaka College; 27 injured
The clash reportedly erupted during a Shibir programme marking the second anniversary of the July Uprising, with both groups blaming each other.
Highlights
- Chhatra Dal-Shibir clash at Dhaka College leaves 27 injured
- Clash erupted during Shibir's July Uprising anniversary programme
- Shibir alleges Chhatra Dal attacked while putting up banners
- Chhatra Dal accuses Shibir of launching planned attack
- Both groups report injuries among their activists
- Police intervened after chase and counter-chase between groups
A clash between activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal at Dhaka College left at least 27 people injured today (4 August), with both sides claiming to have been attacked.
The incident took place around 1pm at Gallery No 2 of Dhaka College.
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According to Shibir leaders, the college unit had organised a discussion titled "Expectations and Achievements of the July Uprising" to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising.
They alleged that Chhatra Dal activists launched an attack while they were putting up banners for the programme.
At least 20 Shibir activists and seven Chhatra Dal activists were injured in the clash, according to reports.
Shabbir College unit Finance Secretary Abdul Malek was among those injured and was admitted to Popular Medical College Hospital for treatment, party leaders said.
Later, Chhatra Dal activists allegedly chased Shibir members carrying sticks after spotting their presence in the Nilkhet area, leading to further tension between the two groups.
Shibir College unit Office Secretary Mamun Sheikh alleged that Chhatra Dal activists launched a sudden attack while Shibir members were peacefully putting up posters ahead of their scheduled programme.
"Nearly 20 of our activists were injured, and one of them suffered a serious head injury," he said.
However, Dhaka College Chhatra Dal Member Secretary Millad Hossain accused Shibir of launching a planned attack on Chhatra Dal activists in the morning.
"We are staying here to ensure the safety of our activists and students. No extremist activities will be allowed on this campus," he said while speaking from the college's main gate.
Dhaka College Principal Professor AKM Elius said the college's normal activities were continuing when he heard the sound of a procession.
"I later came to know that it was a Chhatra Dal procession. I do not know exactly what caused the incident, but I heard that there was a dispute between Shibir and Chhatra Dal. I have informed the police," he said.
Shawkat Ali, additional deputy commissioner of New Market Zone, said there was a chase and counter-chase between the two groups.
"We are here to prevent the situation from escalating. The road was temporarily blocked, but we took immediate measures and cleared it," he said.
