Clash between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir over fresher's reception in Sunamganj, 20 injured

A chase and counter-chase and clash occurred between leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir centring a fresher's reception at Gobindaganj Abdul Haque Smriti Degree College in Chhatak upazila of Sunamganj. At least 20 people, including passers-by, were injured by brickbats. The clash took place in several phases at Gobindaganj point from noon to afternoon on Thursday, September 24.

Traffic on the Sunamganj-Sylhet road remained suspended for several hours due to the clash. As a result, many vehicles were stuck on both sides of the road, causing a long traffic jam. Later, police went to the scene and brought the situation under control. According to local residents, several cocktails also exploded during the clash.

Speaking with police and local residents, it was learned that around 11:30am, Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir brought out separate processions centring the fresher's reception for the eleventh-grade students of the college. When the two processions reached in front of the college's main gate, an altercation first broke out between the leaders and activists of the two sides. At one point, it escalated into a scuffle. Later, brickbatting and chase and counter-chase began.

At one point, the situation spread beyond the area in front of the college to Gobindaganj traffic point. Upon receiving the news, additional police went to the scene and brought the situation under control. Those injured in the clash received treatment locally.

Chhatak upazila Chhatra Dal convener Mahbubur Alam said that an altercation first broke out between the two sides centring the fresher's reception. Later, several Chhatra Shibir activists made derogatory remarks about BNP Chairman Tareque Rahman outside the college. When Chhatra Dal leaders and activists protested, Chhatra Shibir leaders and activists attacked them.

However, denying the allegation, Gobindaganj Abdul Haque Smriti Degree College Chhatra Shibir President Junaed Ahmed said that as every year, this year too Chhatra Shibir had a programme for students on the occasion of the fresher's reception. While welcoming the students with gifts, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists attacked them.

Acting Principal of the college Shah Shafiqul Alam said no untoward incident occurred inside the college. A scuffle occurred among students outside the college gate.

Sub-Inspector Bhakta Chandra Dutta of Chhatak Police Station said that upon receiving news of the clash at Gobindaganj point, police went to the scene and brought the situation under control. Traffic on the road later returned to normal. Police have been deployed in the area.