Tension erupts over placard display at Jagannath University

Leaders of Jagannath University Central Students' Union (JPSU) have alleged that they were attacked by activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) while attempting to display placards to press home various demands, including the handover of the second campus construction project to the army, the swift implementation of a temporary housing project, and the development of the medical centre. They have announced protest programmes in response.

The incident allegedly took place on Tuesday, August 4, while JPSU leaders were entering a programme at the university's central auditorium, which was being attended by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). According to JPSU sources, they were attempting to peacefully enter the auditorium with placards to present students' various demands before the UGC Chairman. However, they were obstructed. Following a verbal altercation and scuffle with JCD activists, their placards were reportedly snatched and torn, and JPSU representatives were allegedly attacked.

JPSU has claimed that its Vice-President Md Riazul Islam, General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif, Assistant General Secretary Masud Rana, and Law Affairs Secretary Faruk were injured in the incident [citation:1]. The organisation's demands reportedly include the rapid handover of the second campus construction work to the army, the initiation of the temporary housing project in Keraniganj, the improvement of medical centre services, and the assurance of various student facilities.

In a video circulating on social media, JCD convener Mehedi Hasan Himel was seen obstructing JPSU leaders as they tried to enter the auditorium. When teacher Dr K A M Rifat Hasan of the university's Management Studies Department tried to intervene, he was also reportedly pushed. Following the incident, JPSU leaders staged a protest in front of the auditorium.

JPSU General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif wrote on Facebook that the proctor had taken on the role of JCD. JPSU VP Riazul Islam demanded a proper investigation and swift trial of those responsible for the attack.

No official statement was immediately available from the university administration or JCD regarding the incident.