Student Groups Clash at Barishal University

A clash between members of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir erupted in two separate phases at the University of Barishal on Wednesday morning, leaving at least 10 students hospitalised and prompting intervention by the university administration and police.

The violence broke out at around 10:00 a.m. on the university campus during separate programmes marking July Uprising Day. While both student organisations claimed that around 20 of their members had been injured, hospital authorities confirmed that 10 injured students had been admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for treatment.

The incident has triggered competing allegations, with each organisation accusing the other of initiating the confrontation and escalating tensions.

University Proctor Mehdi Hasan Sohag described the incident as the result of a misunderstanding between the two groups. According to him, members from both sides became involved in physical altercations before university officials stepped in to restore order.

“There was a misunderstanding between the two groups. Both sides assaulted each other. We intervened to stop the violence, and some members of the university administration were also injured while trying to bring the situation under control,” he said.

The students admitted to hospital have been identified as Safwan (21), Shifat (27), Al Amin (25), Helal (26), Rabiul (23), Monirul Islam (26), Hafiz (23), Abdullah Al Baki (24), Hridoy (23), and Tarikul Islam (24).

Dr Md Saif, an intern in the hospital’s surgery department, said several injured students had arrived for treatment following the clash. He noted that no patient had been found to be critically injured at the time of examination.

“Some students have reported head injuries, and CT scans have been advised. We will be able to determine the severity of those injuries once the reports are available,” he said.

JCD alleges attack by Shibir

Tarikul Islam Azmain, Joint Assistant General Secretary of the university unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, claimed that the organisation had been holding a peaceful gathering to observe July Uprising Day when members of Islami Chhatra Shibir allegedly entered the campus accompanied by outsiders.

According to his account, JCD members attempted to prevent what they described as an effort to create disorder. He alleged that Shibir activists subsequently attacked them with sticks and iron rods, leaving between 10 and 11 JCD leaders and activists injured and requiring hospital treatment.

Hasibur Rahman Sifat, Joint General Secretary of the university’s JCD unit, made similar allegations. He claimed that Shibir supporters, accompanied by individuals from outside the campus, attempted to organise a procession during the programme. When they were asked not to proceed, he alleged, violence broke out, resulting in injuries to approximately 10 to 12 JCD members.

Shibir blames JCD

Members of Islami Chhatra Shibir offered a sharply different version of events.

Al Amin, who identified himself as a Shibir activist while receiving treatment in hospital, said the organisation had arranged a peaceful procession to commemorate those killed during the 2024 mass uprising.

He alleged that the procession was nearing its conclusion when members of JCD suddenly launched an attack, leading to prolonged pushing, verbal confrontations and physical violence.

According to him, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, the Proctor and several teachers attempted to calm the situation. During that effort, he claimed, Monirul Islam, president of the university branch of Shibir, was struck from behind. Al Amin said he was assaulted while trying to protect him.

He further alleged that after the initial confrontation, they went to the Vice-Chancellor’s office. When the Proctor later escorted them to the ground floor of the administrative building to facilitate medical treatment, they were allegedly attacked for a second time in front of the Proctor.

Responding to allegations that outsiders had joined the Shibir procession, Al Amin acknowledged that some supporters from nearby areas might have joined the march. He maintained, however, that several individuals standing beside the road were also targeted during the violence. He claimed that between nine and ten Shibir members had been injured.

Police restore order

Belal Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, confirmed that officers responded after receiving reports of fighting between the two student organisations.

Police, working alongside the university administration, brought the situation under control and dispersed those involved. He said the campus had returned to normal after the intervention and that the overall situation remained peaceful.

The clash highlights continuing tensions between rival student organisations on university campuses, particularly during politically significant commemorative events. While both groups continue to exchange accusations over responsibility for the violence, university authorities and law enforcement agencies have restored order. The extent of the students’ injuries will become clearer once medical examinations, including CT scan results for those with head injuries, are completed.