Clash breaks out again at BAU dormitories, 5 injured

A clash broke out between students of two residential halls at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) within a week of a previous incident, leaving at least five students injured.

The clash occurred late on Saturday (August 1) night between first-year students (2025-26 academic session) of Maulana Bhasani Hall and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy Hall over a trivial matter, leading to stone-throwing and chase-and-counter-chase.

According to students and eyewitnesses, an argument began on a Messenger group over a minor issue, which later escalated into a clash over regional dominance. Five students were injured in the incident, said Dr Aminul Matin, a physician at the university's Health Care Centre.

A student from Maulana Bhasani Hall, speaking on condition of anonymity, said an argument between two students over a trivial matter in a Messenger group of first-year agriculture faculty students escalated into tension between students from Bogura (Bhasani Hall) and Jamalpur (Suhrawardy Hall). Later, students from Bhasani Hall marched to Suhrawardy Hall chanting slogans, leading to a face-off between the two groups.

An eyewitness from Suhrawardy Hall said students from Bhasani Hall arrived chanting slogans and took position at the hall's gate, shouting provocative slogans. Students of Suhrawardy Hall also gathered at the gate. At one point, Bhasani Hall students suddenly attacked them, leading to the clash.

Suhrawardy Hall Provost Professor Dr Md Bazlur Rahman Molla said it is unfortunate that such a minor incident escalated into a major brawl, tarnishing the university's image. He said those involved in such provocative activities would be brought to justice.

Maulana Bhasani Hall Provost Professor Sharif-Ar-Rafi said several students were injured, with one Bhasani Hall student suffering a cut on his forehead. The clash also caused significant damage to the hall. The provost said the hall administration is taking a tough stance, and the vice-chancellor has been informed. Written complaints with damage details have been submitted, and action will be taken against those found responsible.

BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan said he was concerned about the incidents and assured that a proper investigation would be conducted through a probe committee. He promised that all those involved would be brought to justice.

Earlier last week, a clash had occurred between students of Shaheed Shamsul Haque Hall and Ashraful Haque Hall. The recurrence of such an incident within a week has raised concern on campus.