13 Injured as BAU students clash at over love dispute

At least 13 students were injured in a series of clashes between residents of two dormitories at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), allegedly triggered by a personal dispute over a romantic relationship.

The violence, which included clashes, chases, counter-chases and vandalism, began late Thursday night and continued until Friday afternoon.

According to eyewitnesses and university sources, tensions initially arose between two students over a relationship-related dispute.

Around 2:30 am on Thursday, several students from Ashraful Haque Hall allegedly went to the room of a student at Shaheed Shamsul Haque Hall and threatened him.

In retaliation, around 3:30am, a group of 60 to 70 students from Shaheed Shamsul Haque Hall reportedly attacked Ashraful Haque Hall with sticks.

The two sides engaged in running battles and hurled bricks at each other. During the clash, windows, CCTV cameras and electric lights in the hall were vandalised. At least nine students were injured in the overnight violence.

Although the situation was brought under control, tensions flared again on Friday afternoon near the Abdul Jabbar intersection after a student was allegedly assaulted.

A fresh clash broke out at around 2:30 pm and continued for nearly an hour, leaving four more students injured.

Doctors at the university's Health Care Centre confirmed the number of injured students.

BAU Proctor Professor Dr Abdul Alim said the university's proctorial body responded promptly and brought the overnight violence under control. However, another confrontation erupted after Friday prayers.

He described the incident as an unfortunate act of violence over a trivial issue, saying it was inconsistent with the university's academic environment. He added that those responsible would be identified through CCTV footage and other evidence and face disciplinary action.

A probe committee will also be formed to investigate the incident, he said.