10 injured in clashes over Argentina–Egypt World Cup match at MBSTU

At least 10 people, including an assistant proctor, were injured after clashes broke out among students at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) over the Argentina–Egypt FIFA World Cup match.

The violence erupted in phases on Tuesday night (July 7), with agitated students vandalising windowpanes and flower pots in front of an academic building, according to witnesses.

University sources said seven injured students were still receiving treatment at Tangail General Hospital on Wednesday morning (July 8), while one critically injured student was admitted to Mirzapur Kumudini Hospital. Assistant Proctor Abdul Quddus received first aid after being hit by a brick while trying to calm the situation.

According to university officials, the unrest began before kickoff following an argument over seating arrangements between students of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Food Technology and Nutritional Science (FTNS) departments. The dispute quickly escalated into a physical altercation.

Although the university's proctorial body initially restored order, fresh clashes erupted after the match between students of the ICT, FTNS and Statistics departments.

The violence flared up for a third time around 1:00am inside the university's first academic building, later involving students from the Chemistry department. The confrontation, which included repeated chases and counter-chases, continued for nearly an hour before teachers and members of the proctorial body brought the situation under control around 3:00am.

University Proctor Monir Morshed said the incident stemmed from a minor disagreement and that discussions with the vice-chancellor and the students concerned were underway to resolve the matter.

He added that the campus situation is now under control.

Officials at Tangail General Hospital confirmed that the injured students received medical treatment.