Clash between two factions of Chhatra Dal at NSTU over seat change, 3 injured

A clash erupted between two factions of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal at Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) over the issue of seat allocation. The incident occurred in the Abdul Malek Ukil Hall and the pocket gate area from late Monday night to the early hours of Tuesday, August 18. At least three students, including a Chhatra Dal leader, were injured in the clash.

The injured are: Anisur Rahman Sifat, a leader of the branch Chhatra Dal and a student of the 18th batch of the Statistics Department; Zahidul Islam Hasan, a former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and a student of the 15th batch of the Applied Mathematics Department; and Samiul Islam, a student of the 19th batch of the Agriculture Department. Injured Samiul Islam was admitted to Noakhali General Hospital for treatment.

Eyewitnesses said an altercation began among some Chhatra Dal activists over seat allocation in a room of Abdul Malek Ukil Hall around 2am. Although the matter was initially resolved, the situation flared up again about an hour later. It is alleged that around 3am, supporters of branch Chhatra Dal president Zahid Hasan and general secretary Hasibul Hossain attacked Anisur Rahman Sifat, a supporter of senior vice-president Sabbir Hasan, and later expelled him from the hall.

Following this, an attack was carried out on Samiul Islam in the pocket gate area, resulting in a split lip. Meanwhile, former coordinator Zahidul Islam Hasan was also reportedly beaten when he tried to intervene. Two university journalists were also harassed while performing their professional duties, according to allegations.

Chhatra Dal leader Anisur Rahman Sifat alleged that the supporters of the president and general secretary carried out a planned attack on him over a minor dispute over seat allocation. He named several students and demanded organisational action. On the other hand, branch Chhatra Dal senior vice-president Sabbir Hasan claimed that despite the matter being resolved, a group of 30 to 35 people attacked a responsible leader. He said he had informed central leaders about the incident.

When contacted, branch Chhatra Dal general secretary Hasibul Hossain said he did not have detailed information about the incident and would provide details after inquiring.

Several attempts were made to contact branch Chhatra Dal president Zahid Hasan for his comments, but he could not be reached.

University Proctor AFM Arifur Rahman said the matter has come to the administration's attention. The hall provost body and the university administration have been informed. If a formal complaint is received, necessary action will be taken as per university rules.