JCD, Shibir Clashes Spread Across Dhaka Campuses

More than 50 people were injured after clashes between activists of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir spread across several educational institutions and a hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The violence affected Jagannath University (JnU), Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Dhaka College, the Science Lab area, Dhaka Alia Madrasa and Dhaka National Medical College Hospital.

Clash begins at Jagannath University

The unrest began around noon at Jagannath University during a programme attended by the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Tensions escalated after students displayed placards demanding implementation of the university's second campus project through the Bangladesh Army, construction of temporary student accommodation and improved medical services.

Leaders of the Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JACSU) alleged that JCD activists misbehaved with female students and forcibly removed their placards, triggering the clash.

JACSU leaders claimed more than 50 students were injured, with 15 to 20 sustaining serious injuries. Among the injured were JACSU Assistant General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif, Executive Member Abdullah Faruq, who reportedly suffered a broken leg, and Assistant General Secretary Sirajul Islam.

Videos circulating on social media showed JACSU Vice-President Riyazul Islam and General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif being taken from the campus on rickshaws.

An assistant public prosecutor visiting the campus was also reportedly assaulted after being accused of being affiliated with Shibir.

JCD rejects allegations

JCD leaders denied the allegations, claiming another political group was attempting to create unrest to disrupt ongoing development projects and student housing initiatives.

They also alleged that Jamaat-backed student activists were trying to create divisions among students across different campuses.

Violence spreads to hospital

The situation escalated further when injured students were taken to Dhaka National Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Fresh clashes broke out outside the hospital in the afternoon. Witnesses alleged that a group of political activists later entered the emergency department and assaulted several injured students receiving treatment. One injured person was reportedly dragged from the emergency unit and beaten.

Jagannath University Syndicate member Professor Belal Hossain, who visited the hospital, said he found more than 50 injured students, many suffering head injuries. Police later reinforced security at the hospital, while several critically injured students were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Clashes spread across Dhaka

Violence later spread to Dhaka College and the adjacent Science Lab area, where rival groups engaged in chase and counter-chase and hurled brickbats at each other.

Police said several people were injured during the clashes.

Two crude bombs also exploded near New Market in the afternoon, although no casualties were reported.

A separate clash broke out at Dhaka Alia Madrasa in Bakshibazar over control of student residential halls. Rival groups reportedly used locally made weapons during the confrontation before police intervened.

Law enforcement agencies deployed additional personnel at affected campuses and surrounding areas to restore order. Tension continued in parts of the capital, including the Dhaka University and Shahbagh areas, as protests by JCD activists continued into the evening.