Two days after CU violence, Saem remains unresponsive for 48 hours

Chittagong University is shaken after violent clashes erupted between students and locals, leaving dozens injured and several critically wounded. Among the most severely affected is Imtiaz Ahmed Saem, a master's student in the International Relations Department, whose condition has left his family and peers deeply concerned.

With a bandaged head and on oxygen support, Saem is barely recognisable. Today, he was taken from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Parkview Hospital for a CT scan, still on life support. Seeing her son, Shahnaz Amir, Saem's mother, broke down in tears while Saem's classmates tried to console her.

Saem has been on life support since undergoing major brain surgery following a sharp-object injury that fractured his skull, damaged his brain, and severed a blood vessel. Doctors report that he has not regained consciousness in the past 48 hours, and there has been little improvement in his physical condition.

Mohammad Amir Hossain, Saem's father, told The Business Standard, "The doctors said his treatment will take time. On Sunday afternoon, while the clashes were ongoing, the family spoke to him. I warned him not to get involved, but then I heard he had been injured."

CU clash: 16 students undergoing treatment in Ctg hospitals, two on life support, one sent to Dhaka

Dr Sirajul Mostafa, head of Parkview's specialised unit, explained the severity of Saem's condition: "Saem underwent major surgery. The injury was severe, and recovery for such patients is time-consuming. So far, he has shown only slight improvement in blood pressure. Full recovery may take a long time, and responses can be delayed."

Also in the ICU is Mamun Mia, an honors student in the Sociology Department, who suffered a serious skull fracture. His skull has been preserved in a freezer while doctors monitor his recovery. 

As Mamun has regained consciousness, his condition is gradually improving. Masud Rana, his elder brother, said, "We were able to speak to Mamun. Doctors have confirmed he will be moved to a cabin soon."

Dr Mostafa added, "Mamun's condition has improved significantly. His fractured skull is being preserved in a freezer, and once he stabilises, it will be surgically reattached in two to two and a half months."

Another student, Naimul Islam, a third-year Islamic Studies student, was also seriously injured and transferred to the ICU. He underwent vascular surgery on his right hand at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Dhaka after a severed blood vessel prevented treatment in Chittagong. 

Accompanying friend Adnan Sharif Asif said, "Naimul is under close monitoring in the ICU. Depending on his condition, another surgery is planned within 15 days to a month to repair the damage."

Late Saturday night, Late Saturday night, clashes erupted after a female student was assaulted by the security guard at her rented apartment, triggering confrontations between students and locals. Over 50 students were injured in the initial violence. 

Violence flared again Sunday morning when locals carrying crude weapons attacked, injuring the vice-chancellor, proctor, faculty, and students.

Authorities estimate that between 400 and 500 people were injured in the confrontations. According to the District Civil Surgeon's office, more than 300 students received treatment at the university's health center, 114 at Chittagong Medical College Hospital, and 30 at other private hospitals.

The situation has left the campus in turmoil. Families and peers remain anxious over the condition of critically injured students like Saem, whose life hangs in the balance, highlighting the human cost of the clashes and the urgent need for measures to prevent further violence.