Clash erupts over Sarjis Alam’s presence near North South University

A group of private university students engaged in a clash when Sarjis Alam, chief organiser (North) of the National Citizen Party, and his followers went to the Bashundhara Residential Area of the capital late Wednesday (6 March) night, according to police.

Both the parties went to the Bhatara police station to file complaints following the clash, the station's Officer-in-Charge Mazharul Islam confirmed to The Business Standard.

"Both parties came to the police station to file complaints about the altercation. Sarjis Alam was also present. Both sides are blaming each other, and we are reviewing their claims," the OC said. 

Sarjis was also reportedly injured during the clash, according to a Daily Campus report. TBS could not verify the claim independently.

Meanwhile, in a post on his Facebook profile, Sarjis alleged that Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal's "central leader Ahmed Shakil" and his associates attacked the politician and his companions. He did not mention sustaining any injury from the clash in the post.

He said the clash took place near the North South University (NSU) entrance.

"I was walking in front of NSU after chatting with over a hundred fellow students from four private universities, NSU, IUB, AIUB, UIU. I was with 15-20 fellow students from private universities. Later, in front of the NSU gate, I saw 10-12 people shouting slogans about DU syndicate. Among them was Ahmed Shakil, the central leader of Chhatra Dal. I went up to listen to them. But they deliberately started insulting the private students who were with me. Out of 10-12 of them, 1-2 seemed to be students, but the rest looked like hired thugs. Realising that their intention was to create an uncomfortable situation, I asked both parties to leave and left," Sarjis wrote.

"Later, Shakil of Chhatra Dal, under his leadership, along with the unidentified thugs who were with him, attacked the boys of the private university who were with me earlier with sharp weapons and directly hit them on the head and back…

"Shakil of Chhatra Dal and the other terrorists must be brought to justice quickly," Sarjis added.

Referring to the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the banned student outfit of Awami League, Sarjis wrote, "After being persecuted by the 'Tokai League' for 16 years, if anyone from Chhatra Dal today behaves in the same way as the Tokai League terrorists, it will not take long for them to end up like the Tokai League."

The Business Standard could not reach Sarjis Alam or Chhatra Dal leader Ahmed Shakil for their comments immediately.