Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir clashes at Barishal University leave 10 injured

At least 10 people were injured after rival student groups Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir clashed at Barishal University on Wednesday morning (August 5) over a procession marking the anniversary of the July Mass Uprising.

The violence, which lasted for about an hour between 9:30am and 10:30am, involved physical altercations and repeated chases, triggering panic across the campus before police intervened to restore order.

According to eyewitnesses and university sources, the confrontation began after the university unit of Chhatra Shibir brought out a procession titled "Invincible July" from the ground floor of the academic building. As the rally approached the gate of the vice-chancellor's residence, members of Chhatra Dal objected, alleging that outsiders had joined the procession.

The dispute quickly escalated into a scuffle before turning into a series of clashes and counter-chases between activists of the two organisations.

Senior Vice-President of the university unit of Chhatra Dal, Ashik Ahmed, alleged that Shibir had included outsiders in the procession and carried sticks disguised as flagpoles. He claimed that when Chhatra Dal members protested, they were attacked, leaving five to six of their activists injured.

Rejecting the allegation, Chhatra Shibir General Secretary Zakaria Islam said their procession had been peaceful until Chhatra Dal activists attacked them near the vice-chancellor's residence. He claimed at least five Shibir members were injured and said the organisation had submitted a written complaint to the university administration demanding justice.

University Proctor Mehedi Hasan said he was overseeing the treatment of the injured students and would provide further details later.

Following the clashes, additional police were deployed across the campus. Barishal Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Belal Hossain said officers quickly brought the situation under control and urged both groups to maintain calm.

The latest incident comes amid a string of violent confrontations between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir at educational institutions across Bangladesh. Similar clashes were reported over the past two days at Jagannath University, Dhaka College, Government Madrasah-e-Alia, and Begum Rokeya University.