Chittagong University clash: Some suffer head injuries, others with broken arms
By 3:30pm, the atmosphere at CMCH remained tense as vehicles continued to bring in more injured students. Most were admitted to the casualty department before being shifted to different wards after examination by doctors. Students reported that head, hand, and leg injuries were the most common.
At Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), injured students of Chittagong University continued to arrive on stretchers—some with bandages on their heads, others with injuries to their arms.
Groups of students had travelled 20 kilometres from the campus with their wounded classmates, reports Prothom Alo.
Students said the violence erupted around 11am today (31 August) when a second phase of clashes broke out between students and residents of Jobra village near Gate No 2 of the campus.
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According to them, both sides engaged in chase and counter-chase, hurling brickbats at each other. The unrest quickly spread across the campus and many of the injured were initially treated at the university medical centre, while those with severe injuries were referred to CMCH.
By 3:30pm, the atmosphere at CMCH remained tense as vehicles continued to bring in more injured students. Most were admitted to the casualty department before being shifted to different wards after examination by doctors. Students reported that head, hand, and leg injuries were the most common.
Riyad Ahmed, a student from the Political Science department of the university, said, "The local people attacked the students with sharp weapons. Some students are still trapped in certain buildings. Police remained silent during this. I myself was also injured."
Meanwhile, in the wake of repeated clashes, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was imposed in the area stretching from Gate No 2 of Chittagong University to the rail gate on the east side.
The restriction, which bans gatherings of more than five people, public meetings, and carrying of firearms, will remain in effect from 2pm today until midnight tomorrow (1 September), according to an order by Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Md Abdullah Al Mumin.
Chittagong University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Md Kamal Uddin said, "Around 300 to 400 students, along with several teachers, have been injured in the attacks. The university medical college has run out of space to accommodate the injured individuals."
He alleged, "All the top cadres of the Chhatra League carried out the assault."
Besides, the university administration expressed frustration at the absence of law enforcement.
"We contacted the CMP [Chattogram Metropolitan Police], the home affairs adviser and the Chief Adviser's Office for two hours, but no one has come to our aid yet," Pro-Vice Chancellor Kamal Uddin told TBS around 3pm. "We can no longer control our students."
When asked about the reported delay, Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Russel, spokesperson for Chattogram district police, told TBS at about 3:30pm, "We are at the scene and trying to bring the situation under control. There is nothing more to say at this moment."
