Intra-Student Political Clashes in Rajarhat Leave Six Injured Over Social Media Dispute

A series of physical altercations occurred on Sunday, 26 April 2026, between activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir in the Rajarhat Upazila of Kurigram district. The violence, which reportedly stemmed from provocative posts on the social media platform Facebook, resulted in at least six individuals from both political organisations sustaining injuries.

According to local sources and law enforcement, the hostilities unfolded in two distinct phases. The initial confrontation took place on Sunday morning in the Shantinagar area of the Upazila headquarters, followed by a second escalation during the afternoon in the Hospital Para vicinity.

Details of Casualties and Medical Response

The clashes resulted in injuries to senior local leaders and activists from both factions. Those identified among the injured from the Chhatra Dal include:

• Rubel Patwary, the Convenor of the Rajarhat Upazila JCD committee.

• Rakib, an activist.

• Apon, an activist.

From the Chhatra Shibir side, the injured individuals include:

• Sujan Mia, the President of the Rajarhat Upazila Shibir committee.

• Mahin, an activist.

• Shariful Islam, an activist.

Following the altercations, the injured were transported to the Rajarhat Upazila Health Complex, where they received medical treatment for various injuries, including lacerations and blunt force trauma. Medical officials at the facility confirmed that the victims were provided with necessary clinical care, with some reportedly sustaining head injuries during the skirmishes.

Origins of the Altercation

The primary catalyst for the violence appears to have been a dispute on social media regarding sensitive political topics, including the implementation of results from a mass referendum and other contemporary regional issues. Tensions escalated as members from both groups engaged in a cycle of provocative posts and counter-posts.

The Chhatra Dal leadership alleged that the conflict began following disagreements over wall writings at Government Mir Ismail Hossain Degree College. They claimed that Shibir leaders published inflammatory content on Facebook regarding this issue. According to JCD representatives, when they sought clarification on these posts, a verbal argument ensued, which led to an assault by Shibir activists. They further alleged that Shibir members mobilised additional manpower via social media to launch a second coordinated attack later in the day.

Conversely, Chhatra Shibir representatives provided a different account of the day’s events. They alleged that the tension originated in the Shantinagar area when a senior leader of the Upazila Shramik Kalyan Federation was reportedly besieged or restricted in movement by JCD activists. Shibir leaders claimed that when their Upazila President, Sujan Mia, arrived at the scene to mediate or investigate the situation, he was physically assaulted, resulting in significant head injuries.

Law Enforcement and Current Situation

The local police intervened to disperse the gathering crowds and prevent further escalations between the two student wings. Mamunur Rashid, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Rajarhat Police Station, confirmed that the situation in the Upazila headquarters has since been stabilised.

“The situation is currently under the control of the police. We are monitoring the affected areas to prevent any reprisal attacks,” OC Mamunur Rashid stated. He further clarified that while the police are aware of the allegations from both sides, formal legal proceedings will commence once written complaints are officially lodged by the aggrieved parties.

As of Sunday evening, additional police personnel have been deployed in key areas of Rajarhat to maintain public order. Local residents reported an atmosphere of unease in the Shantinagar and Hospital Para sectors following the daylight violence. No arrests have been confirmed at this stage, as authorities await formal depositions to initiate a structured investigation into the specific perpetrators of the violence.

Both political organisations have yet to issue formal central statements regarding the conduct of their local units in Kurigram, as the district administration continues to liaise with political stakeholders to ensure the continued peace of the Rajarhat township.