30 injured in clashes between KUET students, JCD over demand to ban student politics
The incident occurred around noon in front of the central Jame Mosque on the campus
A clash erupted between the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) students and Jatiotabadi Chatradal at the campus area today (18 February) over the demand to ban student politics on campus.
According to eyewitnesses, a campaign by the Jatiotabadi Chatradal, student body of the BNP, started on campus this morning, which led to protests by a group of students who opposed student politics.
Later, the two groups had a confrontation in front of the campus's central Jame Mosque, escalating into a clash. They also hurled bricks amid a chase and counter-chase.
According to a Prothom Alo report quoted by Chatradal leaders and a leader of Students Against Discrimination, at least 30 people were injured during the clash. However, The Business Standard could not confirm the number.
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As of 6pm, students closed the campus' main gate, reports our correspondent from the spot.
"The incident started around noon in front of the central Jame Mosque on the campus," Officer-in-charge of Khan Jahan Ali Police Station Md Kabir Hossain said.
"A chase and counter-chase happened between two student groups around 5pm. Joint forces are working to restore order," he added.
Two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed on the campus area, BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam said.
However, a group of students claimed that they were attacked and severely beaten by Chatradal activists and outsiders when they protested against student politics in KUET.
They demanded a complete ban on student politics in KUET and an ordinance to be issued incorporating provisions for punishment for anyone involved.
They also demanded that teachers, officers, and employees who enable student politics be punished. They further demanded that the entire campus be brought under CCTV surveillance for security reasons.
On the other hand, Chatradal supporters claimed that the Islami Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, was behind the protest.
Meanwhile, the Students Against Discrimination announced to hold a protest rally in Dhaka at 7:30pm in Dhaka in protest of "attacks on students" at KUET.
In a Facebook post at 5:11pm, Abdul Hannan Masud, the chief organiser of the Students Against Discrimination, warned Chatradal for attacking the Kuet students.
"By carrying out the brutal attacks carried in the style of the banned terrorist organisation Chhatra League at KUET, Chhatradal is moving towards digging its own political grave on campuses," he wrote.
