Clash at Comilla University over library seating, 10 injured

A series of clashes broke out among students of three departments at Comilla University (CoU) on Sunday, September 27, over seating at the university's central library. Around 10 students were injured in the incident, according to Dr Mahmudul Hasan Khan, deputy chief medical officer of the university.

The clashes took place at the university's central library and at different areas on the campus, including the engineering faculty, main gate and Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Hall. Members of the proctorial body were present at the scene at various stages of the incident.

According to eyewitnesses, an argument broke out among students of the ICT, archaeology and anthropology departments over loud conversations and seating inside the library. The argument escalated into a physical altercation.

The students involved were later called to the proctor's office, where the matter was resolved, witnesses said. However, shortly after leaving the office, they again engaged in a chase and counter-chase near the university's main gate.

Those concerned said ICT department student Shamim Mozumder was critically injured, sustaining serious injuries to his hand, which was fractured. They alleged that Shakib of the 2022-23 academic year, Shakil of the 2021-22 academic year and Abir of the same year of the Anthropology department were involved in the incident. However, their statements on the allegations could not be obtained immediately.

Later, several people allegedly came to the ICT department with sticks, and the main gate of the department was locked. After members of the proctorial body opened the lock, ICT department students chased the people who had come with sticks. When they reached Shaheed Dhirendranath Datta Hall, clashes broke out between the two sides several times.

Proctor Prof Md Shahadat Hossain said, "The incident originated in the library. We resolved the matter at the very beginning. We will review the CCTV footage and videos recorded by journalists to identify those involved in the attacks. Necessary action will be taken against them."

Tension has been prevailing on the university campus following the incident.