41 hurt as BCL factions clash in Dinajpur

At least 41 students of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur were injured in a clash between two groups of Bangladesh Chhatra League on Thursday.

The clash broke out around 11:30pm as a former member of the university’s BCL unit, along with 20 to 25 of his men, tried to occupy eight seats in Sheikh Russell dormitory, witnesses alleged seeking anonymity.

The injured students were sent to M Abdur Rahim Medical College Hospital. According to the register book of the hospital’s emergency ward, 41 students went there and received treatment after the clash.

Of them, two students -- Mamunur Rashid, of food engineering department, and Rabbi Sheikh, of fisheries department -- have been admitted to the hospital with critical injuries.

Contacted, Khalid Hossain, proctor of the university, said two groups of BCL men were engaged into a clash. The university authorities would take actions against whoever found guilty.

“We will take actions after discussing the issue with the vice chancellor,” he added.

The Daily Star, however, could not reach the vice chancellor Prof Abdul Quashem over phone after repeated attempts.

Ruhul Kuddus Johar, BCL president at the university’s Sheikh Russell dormitory, claimed that both the groups used sharp weapons, sticks and brickbats to attack each other.

Bazlur Rashid, inspector (investigation) of Dinajpur Sadar Police Station, said a team of policemen was sent to the spot but they could not reach there as they had no permission to enter the campus premises.

This correspondent tried to reach the president of BCL Dinajpur unit and the accused BCL leader who tried to occupy seats at the dormitory over phone. They, however, did not respond.

No case was filed in this connection till the time this report was filed.