Violent confrontations erupted between activists of the Islami Chhatra Shibir and the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal near the Dhaka Alia Madrasa on Tuesday, August 4. The dispute, centered on the control of dormitory seats, escalated into multiple rounds of fighting. Despite the presence of law enforcement, both factions engaged in throwing bricks at one another, creating a climate of fear in the surrounding area. This incident follows similar clashes between the two student organizations earlier the same day at Jagannath University and Dhaka College.
The initial skirmish broke out around 3:45 PM in front of the National Medical facility near the Alia Madrasa. Although there was a brief period of calm, the conflict reignited at approximately 4:30 PM. Witnesses and local sources indicated that tensions had been simmering between the two groups since the morning, eventually boiling over into direct physical conflict. Law enforcement personnel were present during the clashes, yet they were unable to prevent the exchange of projectiles.
The two organizations have traded accusations regarding the cause of the violence. Members of the Chhatra Shibir alleged that they were attacked after protesting the illegal occupation of dormitory seats. Conversely, representatives for the Chhatra Dal claimed that the Chhatra Shibir is systematically orchestrating such provocations across various educational institutions, characterizing the Alia Madrasa incident as part of a broader, deliberate strategy.
The unrest was not isolated to the madrasa. Earlier that morning, a program held at the Jagannath University central auditorium, attended by the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman, was disrupted by repeated chases and clashes between the two groups. That situation was eventually brought under control through the intervention of university administration and security forces. Simultaneously, a similar clash occurred at Dhaka College, resulting in injuries to members from both sides.
As of the latest reports, additional police forces have been deployed to the Alia Madrasa area to maintain order. While the active fighting has subsided, the atmosphere remains highly volatile, and law enforcement agencies are maintaining a state of high alert to prevent further escalation.