Repeated clashes at JnU leave 70 injured, including journalists

At least 70 people, including leaders of the Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JnUCSU) and several journalists, were injured in repeated clashes between leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Shakti at Jagannath University (JnU).

The clashes erupted on the university campus and in adjacent areas from Tuesday noon (4 August).

Leaders and activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir alleged that the attacks were led by JnU Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel.

The injured journalists were identified as Sohail Ahmed of Dhaka Tribune, Kayes Mahmud of Ajkaler Khobor, Abdullah Al Mamun of Amar Sangbad, Rajab Al Fahim of Dhaka Stream, and Mohon Khandkar of Prime Bangladesh.

Medical Officer Dr. Mokbul Hossain of the Emergency Department at Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital told Asia Post, "More than 70 people had received treatment following the JnU clashes until 6:00 pm. More injured people are still arriving for treatment."

Speaking at a press briefing around 5:00 pm, JnU Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel claimed that the violence began after the Chhatra Shibir president and his associates attacked Chhatra Dal activists. He claimed that Chhatra Dal members later drove them off the campus.

However, witnesses alleged that activists of JnU Chhatra Dal, along with members from Kabi Nazrul Government College, Suhrawardy College Chhatra Dal and local Jubo Dal leaders and activists, later attacked injured Shibir members and JnUCSU leaders who were undergoing treatment at Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital.

Earlier in the day, allegations emerged that Chhatra Dal leaders and activists assaulted and forced JnUCSU Vice-President (VP) Riazul Islam off the campus.

Sources also alleged that several other JnUCSU leaders were assaulted during the incident.

According to JnUCSU sources, its representatives were preparing to display placards carrying several demands, including handing over the university's second campus construction project to the Bangladesh Army, expediting the temporary residential project, and improving medical facilities on campus.

The alleged attack occurred in front of the university's central auditorium as JnUCSU representatives were entering an event organised by the university administration, where the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) was present as the chief guest.

JnUCSU sources alleged that Chhatra Dal activists suddenly attacked them and tore up their placards before they could present their demands.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show JnUCSU Vice-President Riazul Islam and other representatives being obstructed from entering the auditorium by JnU Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel.

Witnesses also alleged that Dr. KAM Rifat Hasan of the university's Department of Management Studies attempted to defuse the situation but was pushed by the Chhatra Dal convener.

JnUCSU General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif wrote on his Facebook page: "Has the university proctor become Chhatra Dal, or has Chhatra Dal become the proctor? The proctor invited JnUCSU representatives to the auditorium but did not allow us to enter."

JnUCSU Vice-President Riazul Islam alleged that Chhatra Dal attacked general students and their elected representatives and tore apart their placards.

He demanded that the university administration ensure justice for those responsible and said the movement to press home the students' demands would continue.