What Happened During the Clash Between Dhaka University Students?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 50 students injured in violent clashes between universities.
- City University suffered significant damage during the altercation.
- Students accused law enforcement of inadequate intervention.
- The unrest is part of a larger pattern of protests in Bangladesh.
- Authorities are working to restore calm to the affected campuses.
Dhaka, Oct 27 (NationPress) In Bangladesh, over 50 students sustained injuries early on Monday due to a violent altercation between students from Daffodil International University and City University in the Ashulia region of Dhaka district, according to local news sources.
Reports indicate that repeated assaults, vandalism, and arson led to significant destruction, primarily impacting City University. Students have accused law enforcement of failing to intervene effectively during the chaos.
Witnesses cited by the Dhaka Tribune revealed that tensions escalated on Sunday evening when a City University student accidentally spat from his motorcycle, hitting a Daffodil student, which ignited a dispute between the two groups.
In retaliation, approximately 40–50 City University students, wielding makeshift weapons and bricks, launched an attack on a residence occupied by Daffodil University students.
As videos of the incident spread across social media, more than a thousand students from Daffodil International University mobilized and marched towards City University, resulting in a fierce confrontation.
By early Monday, Daffodil University students invaded the City University campus, trapping students inside and vandalizing property. They reportedly stole computers and valuables from the administrative building, set three buses and a private car ablaze, and damaged five additional vehicles.
Crude bombs were allegedly detonated to instill fear, causing injuries to around 50 students from both institutions.
A City University student reported that as of early Monday morning, several areas of the campus remained ablaze, and despite administrative attempts to restore order, students from both universities continued to chase one another, leading to further arson incidents.
“Students from Daffodil University, located adjacent to our campus in Birulia, have clashed with our students over some dispute. Some Daffodil students have set fires on our campus, burning multiple vehicles,” City University Registrar Akhter Hossain was quoted as saying by bdnews 24.
Meanwhile, Ashulia police station duty officer SI Habibur Rahman confirmed that authorities are present and the situation is currently under control.
This violent incident unfolds amidst a backdrop of widespread protests and lawlessness in Bangladesh, following the overthrow of the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during violent protests last year.