Daffodil-City university clash: Detained students released, Daffodil alleges beatings
However, Daffodil claims that the students had severe injuries due to beatings.
The eleven Daffodil International University students held at City University following last night's (26 October) clashes between students in Savar's Birulia Khagan area were handed over to the Daffodil administration around 2:30pm today (27 October), both universities confirmed.
However, Daffodil claims that the students had severe injuries due to beatings.
Abu Zaid, proctor of City University, said, "They have already been handed over. Some people from their administration came, and they were handed over to them."
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He added, "We did not detain them; they were just roaming around here. But since they were somewhat trapped as it was nighttime, we tried to secure them so that no one could harm them. That's why we kept them under security. After that, they came and took them away."
Confirming the release, Syed Mizanur Rahman, external affairs director at Daffodil University, said, "The students have been released, but unfortunately, they were beaten half to death."
He further alleged, "Before releasing the students, a confession was allegedly taken from them by the vice chancellor, through the students, stating that our VC sent them there to carry out vandalism."
Rahman said the release was secured through the intervention of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
"The students were handed over to the UGC delegation. The university's proctorial team and teachers were also present. Now those students have been brought to the campus, and we are sending them to the hospital. The condition of the students is extremely serious; they have been severely beaten," he said.
Earlier today Mizanur Rahman told the media that several Daffodil students were being held on the City University campus, though he could not confirm the number.
He added that Daffodil authorities had informed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and were trying to ensure the safety of all students.
"Whether they are from Daffodil or City, they are all our children. We must protect them and prevent further incidents," he added.
In response, City University Vice Chancellor Brig Gen (retd) Prof Md Lutfor Rahman confirmed that "five to six" Daffodil students had been detained by City University students during last night's violence.
"They were unwell and later sent to the hospital. Another 10 people are still being detained by students," he said at a press conference earlier this afternoon.
He added that their students demand that the detained individuals should be handed over once Daffodil University's vice chancellor visited the City University campus to assess the damage.
The City University VC alleged that Daffodil students carried out large-scale vandalism and arson between 10pm and 4am, damaging the main gate, boundary wall, and university offices.
"They burned about 13 vehicles and vandalised computers and important documents from the offices of the VC, pro-vice chancellor, and registrar," he said.
Prof Lutfor said around 25–26 injured individuals were receiving hospital treatment, with about 100 others sustaining minor injuries.
"Those who were caught were found during acts of vandalism. We will try to resolve the matter through discussion, but if not, legal steps will follow," he said, estimating total damages at Tk20–25 crore.
He also said all classes and examinations at City University had been suspended for the day, with further decisions to be made after a syndicate meeting.
