Clash erupts between 2 factions of JU Chhatra Dal

Jahangirnagar University (JU) witnessed a clash between two factions of the Chhatra Dal on Sunday afternoon (August 17) near the university cafeteria, in the presence of Central Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.

The incident began when over fifty agitated members of the branch Chhatra Dal attempted to enter the campus with a bike showdown to meet central leaders stationed in the teachers’ lounge of the cafeteria. However, followers of branch convener Jahir Uddin Babar and member secretary Wasim Ahmed Anik blocked their entry, sparking tensions that soon escalated into a physical altercation. Reports indicate that some outsiders were also chased during the scuffle.

According to university and branch Chhatra Dal sources, the branch’s extended committee and hall committees for 17 halls were announced on August 8. The committee included individuals accused of involvement in robbery, drug abuse, sexual misconduct, and affiliations with rival political groups such as Chhatra League and Chhatra Shibir. This led to growing unrest among certain activists, who had staged several bike showdowns over recent days. Additionally, the branch’s top five leaders had been absent from campus for nine days following the committee announcement, prompting central leaders to visit and meet them.

The university proctorial team intervened promptly to separate the conflicting parties and bring the situation under control. After negotiations between the agitated activists and central leaders inside the teachers’ lounge, the top five leaders and their supporters moved to the lower floor of the cafeteria.

Jahir Uddin Babar, branch convener, stated that expelled members of their organization and a self-interested faction were responsible for instigating the unrest.

University Proctor Professor A K M Rashidul Alam confirmed that the clash stemmed from internal disputes within Chhatra Dal and assured that the proctorial team had successfully restored normalcy on campus.