Tensions escalated into violent clashes between the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir across three major educational institutions in Dhaka on Tuesday. The incidents, which began around midday, resulted in multiple injuries, including members of the press. The unrest affected areas surrounding Jagannath University (JnU), Dhaka College, and the Alia Madrasa, with intermittent fighting continuing throughout the afternoon.
At Jagannath University, a scheduled event marking August 5th, attended by University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed, became a flashpoint for conflict. Representatives from the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JOKSU) alleged that Chhatra Dal members attacked them after they displayed placards demanding the transfer of the second campus project to the army, the implementation of temporary housing, and improvements to the university’s medical center.
The violence at Jagannath University left at least 20 people injured, including several faculty members. Notable casualties included JOKSU VP Md. Riazul Islam, GS Abdul Alim Arif, AGS Masud Rana, Legal Secretary Faruk, and member Abdullah Al Faruk. Additionally, Shahin Mia and Ferdouse Sheikh, the president and general secretary of the JnU branch of Chhatrashakti, along with Evan Tahsiv, president of the Socialist Student Front’s JnU unit, were among those wounded. Social media footage showed JOKSU GS Abdul Alim Arif and the JnU Shibir president walking while visibly injured.
The situation spread to the vicinity of the Alia Madrasa and the National Medical College Hospital by 2:30 p.m., where students from Jagannath University, Kabi Nazrul Government College, and Shaheed Suhrawardy College clashed. Reports indicate that Chhatra Dal members allegedly targeted individuals seeking medical treatment at the National Hospital, surrounding the facility while the wounded remained inside. By 4:00 p.m., further fighting was reported at the Alia Madrasa.
Separately, clashes broke out at Dhaka College around 12:30 p.m. Mohammad Mamun, finance secretary of the Dhaka College Shibir branch, stated that they were decorating Gallery-2 for a reception honoring families of martyrs from the July uprising when a group of 20 to 25 Chhatra Dal members, led by convener committee member Parvez Mosharraf, assaulted them. Office Secretary Abdul Malek sustained serious injuries and was subsequently admitted to Popular Hospital in Dhanmondi. Following the incident, Chhatra Dal members held a protest march on the campus at 1:30 p.m.