Twenty Injured in DUET Vice-Chancellor Appointment Clashes

Clashes erupted on Sunday at the Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) campus in Gazipur, following disputes over the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor. The confrontations, involving student factions aligned with Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir, escalated into stone-pelting, chases, and arson, turning the campus into a conflict zone. Police deployed several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowds. At least 20 individuals, including five police officers, sustained injuries, prompting authorities to deploy additional police personnel to restore order.

Origins of the Protest

The unrest began after the government issued a gazette notification appointing Professor Mohammad Iqbal from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) as the new Vice-Chancellor of DUET. Following the announcement, a segment of the student body initiated protests, arguing that DUET, as a specialised engineering institution, requires leadership from its internal faculty who understand its distinct academic and administrative structure.

The demonstration timeline progressed as follows:

• Thursday Evening: Protesting students organised a march and set fires on the Dhaka-Shimultoli road.

• Friday: Students from various departments continued the agitation, hanging banners at the main gate declaring the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor “unwanted”.

• Sunday Morning: Protesters launched a “Red Card to the New VC” campaign, gathering at the university’s main entrance and locking the gates.

Escalation of Violence

At approximately 10:00 am on Sunday, prior to the arrival of Professor Mohammad Iqbal, protesters held their positions at the main entrance. Tensions mounted when a group of Chhatra Dal-supported students attempted to unlock the gate to welcome the new Vice-Chancellor. This triggered a verbal altercation that rapidly escalated into violence.

Witnesses reported that individuals inside the campus, including both students and outsiders, threw stones at those outside, who then retaliated. Crude bombs were detonated during the confrontation, causing panic in the surrounding area, and fires were lit near the main gate. The intermittent clashes persisted for several hours until police intervened with tear gas.

Casualties and Official Response

The violence resulted in at least 20 injuries, including the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gazipur Sadar Police Station, Aminul Islam, and four other police officers. At least 15 students from both factions were also hurt. The injured received medical treatment at the Shahid Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital in Gazipur.

Incident Summary and Casualty Figures

Conflicting Statements from Student Factions

Both student organisations released statements trading blame for the violence:

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal: Central Office Secretary Mo. Jahangir Alam issued a statement asserting that elements linked to Chhatra Shibir disguised themselves as general students to destabilise the campus. The statement noted that appointing external faculty as Vice-Chancellors is standard practice across public universities, accusing Chhatra Shibir and segments of the outgoing administration of exploiting the issue for political ends. Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam and General Secretary Nasir Uddin officially condemned the violence.

Islami Chhatra Shibir: Central Publicity Secretary S. M. Farhad countered these claims, stating that Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and external elements launched a coordinated assault on peaceful demonstrators. He further alleged that pro-BNP teachers, officers, and staff participated in the attack using local weapons and sticks.

Administrative Transition

Despite the day’s unrest, Professor Mohammad Iqbal officially assumed his responsibilities. DUET Registrar Professor Md. Abu Taher confirmed that the new Vice-Chancellor remained safe during the clashes and formally took over charge from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Jannal Abedin, in the afternoon.

Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam stated that a group of Shibir-aligned students had positioned themselves inside the gate and initiated the stone-throwing. He confirmed that additional police units remain stationed on campus to ensure security.