College Attack Sparks Violence Allegations

A violent incident has been reported at a government college in the Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi, where a local political figure and his associates are accused of assaulting a female lecturer and vandalising campus property during ongoing examinations.

According to allegations, Shahadat Hossain, a local leader associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and former vice-president of a union-level youth wing, entered Daukandi Government University College on Thursday afternoon accompanied by several individuals. They are accused of physically assaulting a female lecturer, striking her with footwear, and later attacking other members of staff. The incident reportedly occurred while degree second-year examinations were underway at the institution, which was under heightened security due to Section 144 restrictions imposed in and around the campus.

Eyewitnesses, teachers, and students stated that tensions escalated when the group entered the principal’s office and demanded financial accounts from previous administrative periods. The confrontation allegedly turned verbal before becoming physical, with one lecturer, Aleya Khatun Hira, being assaulted first. Shortly afterwards, the situation intensified as further attacks and extensive vandalism took place inside administrative rooms.

At least five individuals, including the college principal, teachers, and support staff, were reported injured in the incident. Several of the injured were later taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Reported Injuries

Lecturer Aleya Khatun Hira alleged that the group had previously visited the college on multiple occasions demanding financial accounts, which she described as an attempt to extract unofficial payments. She further claimed she was attacked after standing beside the principal in protest against the confrontation.

However, local BNP figure Akbar Ali offered a different version, claiming that party members had only sought clarification regarding alleged financial irregularities from previous administrative periods. He alleged that they were met with hostility and that the situation escalated after they were allegedly confronted first by staff members.

Principal Abdus Razzak stated that he had been facing pressure from various BNP-linked groups since assuming office four months ago, with repeated demands for money which he consistently refused, leading to ongoing tensions.

Police confirmed that officers were already deployed in the area due to exam-related security measures. Durgapur Police Inspector (Investigation) Rofiqul Islam stated that law enforcement attempted to de-escalate the situation, but some individuals forcibly entered the premises and carried out the attack and vandalism. He added that legal action would be taken once a formal written complaint is filed.

Authorities are continuing to assess the situation as investigations proceed into the allegations of violence and campus disruption.