CU extends class, exam suspension till Thursday, Section 144 remains in place

Chittagong University has extended the suspension of all classes and exams till Thursday (4 September), while the local administration has extended Section 144 on the campus and nearby areas by another day, following clashes between students and locals.

The suspension announcement came in a notice signed by Prof Momtaz Uddin Ahmed, acting controller of examinations at CU, yesterday (1 September) afternoon. The latest development comes after exams were first suspended for Sunday (31 August) and then both classes and exams yesterday.

Considering the students' situation, the upcoming examinations have been postponed, he said, adding that fresh dates for these exams will be announced later.

‘Came back from death’s door’: CU students recount clash with locals

Earlier in the day, Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdullah Al Momin issued a notice stating that Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure will remain effective in the area stretching from the university's Gate No 2 market to the railway gate until midnight today (2 September). 

During this time, all kinds of gatherings, processions, protests, assembly of five or more people and carrying of weapons will remain prohibited in the area.

Student protests, resignation demand

Meanwhile, student organisations launched demonstrations last night demanding the resignation of the university administration, accusing it of failing to ensure security. 

Leaders and activists of these held protests at the Shaheed Minar and in front of the Administration Building.

Leaders of the Chhatra Dal, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad and left-leaning student groups also announced that they would continue the protest jointly at 11am today.

What happened 

Locals attack officials and students of Chittagong University on 31 August 2025. Photo: TBS

The unrest stemmed from an incident where a female student had been allegedly slapped by a security guard for returning late to her rented accommodation near Gate No 2 on Saturday night. 

The incident sparked clashes that night between students and local villagers, leaving more than 50 injured. 

CU students protest demanding resignation of administration officials including vice chancellor

Fresh violence broke out again the next morning, during which the CU pro-vice chancellor, proctor, teachers and students were among those injured. 

Local weapons were used in the attacks.

According to the university administration, between 400 and 500 people were injured in the clashes.

Later in the day, Section 144 was imposed in the area from the Gate No 2 of CU to the railgate area on the east side of that gate following the repeated clashes.

Ten platoons of the army were deployed on the CU campus on Sunday to bring the situation under control, Lieutenant Colonel Abid told the media at around 8pm that day.