Journalists among 10 injured in 'Chhatra Dal attack' at Rajshahi University

At least 10 people, including four journalists, were injured after a group of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal leaders and activists allegedly attacked journalists and students with locally made weapons at Rajshahi University on Sunday (4 October) night.

The injured journalists are Zainul Islam of Agamir Shomoy, Nur Ahsan Mridul of The Daily Star, Arifuzzaman Qorban of bdnews24.com and Mainul Islam Raju of Samakal.

They received treatment at the university's medical centre.

The incident took place around 8:30pm in front of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall.

Witnesses said a group of at least 10 Chhatra Dal activists went to the hall premises in a procession from the university's Transport Market around 8pm, allegedly intending to assault hall students' union General Secretary Ariful Islam.

Some members of the group were carrying locally made weapons, including machetes, cleavers, hockey sticks, pipes and baseball bats, according to witnesses.

When university Proctor Mahbubur Rahman arrived at the scene, the activists hid the weapons, witnesses said.

Later, when journalists from Samakal and Ajker Patrika approached to record video after seeing the weapons, Samakal correspondent Mainul Islam Raju was allegedly beaten with sticks. The group also allegedly attempted to snatch the mobile phone of the Ajker Patrika correspondent.

At one point, bdnews24.com correspondent Arifuzzaman Qurban was also allegedly assaulted by the activists.

The proctor then took the journalists inside the hall and locked the door, according to witnesses.

When other journalists arrived after learning about the attack, The Daily Star correspondent Nur Ahsan Mridul and Agamir Shomoy correspondent Zainul Islam were also allegedly assaulted. Zainul sustained a head injury.

Other journalists who tried to intervene to protect their colleagues were allegedly threatened.

The proctor said, "We have failed. We were unable to control the situation. We called the police, but the police also fled out of fear."

The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a comment on a Facebook post by Chhatra Dal leader M Ahsan Habib concerning Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar.

Habib alleged that the comment made by Rucsu Assistant Cultural Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam on the post contained abusive remarks about his mother and sister.

Rakibul, however, alleged that Habib had threatened to assault him and sought to know his whereabouts.

The two later exchanged posts on social media explaining their positions, according to university sources.

Rakibul stayed in front of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall from 10am to 5pm yesterday (3 October). Habib then took position there at 5:54pm, accompanied by several Chhatra Dal activists, some of whom were seen carrying baseball bats.

They announced that they would remain there until 10pm.

Later, Chhatra Dal activists allegedly gathered outside the hall with rods, pipes, machetes and other locally made weapons before the attack on journalists took place.

Chatradal says action will be taken

Rajshahi University Chhatra Dal President Sultan Ahmed Rahi said he had informed the central leadership about the incident and that action would be taken against those responsible.

In a Facebook post, Rahi said journalists at Rajshahi University were "our brothers, our friends" and an important part of the university and society.

He said the organisation believed journalists were the conscience of the nation and an important means of disseminating the truth.

"No leader or activist of Rajshahi University Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal would intentionally lay hands on any journalist," he said, alleging that attempts were being made to create distance and misunderstanding between the organisation and campus journalists.

He added that if any journalist had been inadvertently caught up in an "unfortunate misunderstanding" during the incident, the matter would be taken seriously and steps would be taken to uncover what actually happened through a proper investigation.

University warns those creating disorder

Rajshahi University authorities expressed concern over the incident and warned students against activities that disrupt peace and order on campus.

In a statement issued tonight (4 October), the university said some students were attempting to disrupt the peaceful environment through provocative statements and activities, as well as creating disorder and engaging in activities contrary to law and order.

The university said some individuals had also attacked media workers and obstructed them from carrying out their professional duties.

Such activities could disrupt the university's normal academic and research activities and worsen the overall law and order situation on campus, it said.

The authorities warned that activities disrupting peace, discipline and law and order would not be tolerated and that those involved would face appropriate administrative action under university rules.

The university also called on all concerned to act responsibly and cooperate in maintaining peace, discipline and a conducive academic environment.