Violence Erupts at Begum Rokeya University Over Controversial Photo Exhibition

Violent clashes broke out between activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) on Monday evening (3 August), leaving several students injured. The confrontation erupted during a photo exhibition organised by Shibir to commemorate the July Uprising, triggering immediate tension across the campus grounds.

Eyewitnesses reported that the violent altercations began around 7:30 pm at the university’s Swadhinata Smarak field. The exhibition, held under the banner of documenting judicial killings during the July revolution, featured photographs of several executed top leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami alongside former minister Salauddin Quader Chowdhury. Objecting to the display, leaders and activists from the campus unit of Chhatra Dal arrived at the venue and demanded the immediate removal of the banners displaying those specific figures.

The demand quickly escalated into a heated verbal dispute between the two rival student factions. Tensions boiled over when a group of Chhatra Dal activists, including campus unit Vice-President Nirab, physically assaulted a Shibir member. Shortly after, Chhatra Dal members reportedly broke tree branches and attacked Shibir activists, striking Shibir leader Mehedi Hasan with wooden cricket stumps.

Following the initial assault, activists from both student organisations took up opposing positions on campus. Shibir members gathered near the university’s Sadar field, while Chhatra Dal supporters assembled near the main entrance gates, exchanging hostile slogans. Although University Proctor Dr Ferdous Rahman arrived at the scene shortly after to mediate and restore order, the situation remained volatile.

Tensions escalated further when Chhatra Dal Publicity Secretary Masud Rana arrived carrying sacks of broken bricks. According to eyewitnesses, he began hurling brickbats towards the assembled Shibir members, igniting widespread brick-pelting and a prolonged series of chases and counter-chases across the campus. The clashes eventually subsided when Chhatra Dal activists dispersed and retreated from the site.

Addressing media representatives regarding the violent outbreak, Proctor Dr Ferdous Rahman stated that university authorities have initiated a review of video footage and photographic evidence captured during the brawl. He assured that all individuals identified as instigators or perpetrators of the violence will face swift administrative and disciplinary action. Additional campus security personnel have been deployed to prevent further reprisals and maintain order across residential halls and academic buildings.