Student Injured Amid Allegations of Political Assault at Gazipur Institution

A cultural programme marking Victory Day celebrations at Bhawal Badre Alam Government College in Gazipur has been marred by serious allegations of violence, leaving a student injured and prompting conflicting accounts from witnesses, political figures, and police.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday afternoon (26 March) at around 3:00 pm inside the college’s student council room, where a cultural concert titled “Bangladesh Concert” was taking place as part of Victory Day observances. What began as a festive academic gathering allegedly descended into confrontation, resulting in injuries to a student identified as Pavel (25), a regular second-year degree student of the institution.

Pavel, a resident of Itahata area in Gazipur and the son of Badiuzzaman Bodi, is currently receiving treatment at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital after being rescued by fellow students following the altercation.

Allegations of Attack and Escalation

According to eyewitness accounts and claims made by a neighbour of the victim, identified as Ifte, tensions escalated during the cultural programme when a group of individuals allegedly harassed female students present at the venue. Pavel is said to have intervened in an attempt to stop the misconduct, after which a violent confrontation broke out.

It has been alleged that Arifur Rahman Abir, identified as the member secretary of the college unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, led a group of approximately 15–20 individuals into the room. The group was reportedly carrying locally made weapons, and Abir is accused of attacking Pavel with a sharp instrument described as a “Chinese cleaver” or machete-like object.

During the incident, Pavel allegedly sustained severe injuries, including a deep cut to his wrist and a head wound while attempting to defend himself. Fellow students rushed him to hospital shortly afterwards.

Pavel himself has alleged that the attack was politically motivated, claiming that Abir and his associates had long been involved in student intimidation, ragging, and harassment of female students on campus. He further alleged that individuals associated with the group frequently brought outsiders into the college premises.

Political Denial and Counterclaims

However, the allegations have been strongly disputed by Arifur Rahman Abir. Speaking by telephone, he denied any involvement in the attack, stating that no such incident occurred in the manner described. He also claimed that he was being falsely implicated due to ongoing disputes on campus.

Abir further suggested that he was willing to cooperate with an investigation, saying: “Nothing like this has happened. I am busy—come to the college. Such allegations are repeatedly made against me. Take statements from the administration and investigate properly.”

Meanwhile, Gazipur Metropolitan Chhatra Dal president Rohanuzzaman Shukur offered a different version of events. He rejected claims that Pavel’s wrist had been cut, asserting instead that the injuries were caused during a dispute involving a motorcycle key, which allegedly struck the victim’s head and hand during a personal altercation.

Police Position and Initial Findings

Law enforcement has also provided a preliminary assessment that differs from the more serious allegations of weapon-based assault.

The officer-in-charge of Basan Police Station, Harun or Rashid, stated that initial information suggests the incident stemmed from a dispute among friends, during which a motorcycle key was allegedly used, resulting in injuries. He added that there is currently no confirmed evidence supporting claims that the victim’s wrist was severed or that machetes were used in the attack.

Summary of Conflicting Accounts

Ongoing Uncertainty

The incident remains under scrutiny, with conflicting narratives emerging from multiple parties. While the victim and his supporters describe a coordinated attack involving political intimidation, both political representatives and police sources have suggested a less severe interpersonal altercation.

Authorities are expected to conduct a fuller investigation to determine the exact sequence of events, the nature of the injuries sustained, and whether any organised violence took place within the college premises. For now, the case has raised renewed concerns about campus safety, political influence in student environments, and the handling of cultural events at educational institutions in Gazipur.