Joint forces deployed to control clashes at CU

Joint forces comprising police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and army personnel have been deployed to control escalating tensions following violent clashes between Chittagong University students and local residents. The deployment took place Sunday afternoon around 3:45 PM near the university campus.

The unrest prompted the authorities to impose Section 144 in the area, banning any public gatherings. The order, effective from 2 PM Sunday, will remain in place until midnight on Monday, September 1.

According to a notice signed by Hathazari Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin, tensions began Sunday morning around 11:30 AM when students and locals confronted each other from Gate No. 2 Market’s eastern boundary to the Rail Gate area.

University officials, including Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mohammad Shamim Uddin, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, and Proctor Professor Dr. Tanvir Mohammad Haider Arif, visited the site around 12:30 PM in an attempt to mediate the situation. However, the situation worsened when locals reportedly threw bricks at the students, reigniting the clashes.

Reports indicate that over 150 students sustained injuries, with approximately 30 in critical condition.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to restore peace are underway.