DUCSU leader Jubair, Musaddiq beaten by Chhatra Dal

A tense situation unfolded in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area on Thursday evening (April 23) when leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) came under attack amid a confrontation involving rival student groups.

According to witnesses and police, DUCSU Social Services Secretary AB Zubair and Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad were allegedly assaulted by activists of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal near Shahbagh Police Station.

Both leaders were later rescued and taken to the officer-in-charge’s room inside the police station as a crowd of activists and onlookers gathered outside.

The incident quickly escalated into a broader standoff, with members of Chhatra Dal and other groups taking position in the area. Tension mounted as rival factions exchanged heated slogans and accusations.

DUCSU General Secretary and Islami Chhatra Shibir central publicity secretary SM Farhad alleged that Chhatra Dal activists, along with outsiders, carried out the attack. He condemned the incident and demanded action.

However, Chhatra Dal leaders rejected the claim, saying the confrontation stemmed from a Facebook post controversy and subsequent presence of rival activists at the police station. They alleged that provocative behaviour from DUCSU leaders triggered the situation, while their activists attempted to protect people from further escalation.

Chhatra Dal leaders also claimed that they had come to Shahbagh Police Station over a protest related to a fake photo card involving Jaima Rahman, and that tensions rose when opposing groups attempted to enter the station.

At one stage, DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem was also reportedly surrounded when he arrived to intervene, with Chhatra Dal activists accusing him of past political affiliations and chanting slogans against “Gupto”  politics.

Later in the night, Chhatra Dal Central President Rakibul Islam entered the police station. With police intervention and the presence of Chhatra Dal leaders, AB Zubair and others were escorted out safely through the mosque gate of the station around 8:45pm.

Police have not yet issued an official statement on whether any case has been filed over the incident.