Rival BCL groups clash over tender at IU, 15 injured

At least 15 people were injured in a clash between two factions of Bangladesh Chhatra League at Islamic University (IU) in the district yesterday.

The clash took place over tenders of several construction works of the university.

Mizanur Rahman Mizu, vice president of BCL IU unit, along with a group of outsiders entered Vice Chancellor Abdul Hakim's room where president of the unit Saiful Islam and general secretary Amit Kumar were present, said campus sources.

Mizu allegedly hurled abusive words at the BCL president and secretary over their demand of percentage from upcoming tenders of several construction works.

Mizu engaged in an altercation with Saiful and Amit when they protested his behaviour.

At one stage, he tried to confine the BCL president-secretary to an adjacent room of the VC at gunpoint around 12:30pm.

As the news spread, the supporters of Saiful-Amit rushed to the spot and clashed with the men of Mizu. Later, both groups chased each other and hurled brick chips.

Cadres belonging to Mizu group fired several bullets, triggering the clash that left at least 15 people from both sides injured, said the sources.

Shishir Islam Babu, organising secretary of Bangabandhu Hall unit of BCL, and activist Kamruzzaman Sagar, loyal to Saiful-Amit group, sustained bullet injuries during the incident. 

On information, police rushed in and brought the situation under control, said Safiqul Islam Choudhury, officer-in-charge of Islamic University Police Station.

The injured were admitted to the university medical center. Of them, Shishir was sifted to Kushtia Medical College Hospital.

Dr Mahubur Rahman, proctor of the university, said punitive action will be taken against those responsible for the incident after proper investigation.

They are trying to pacify both groups so that the on going peaceful academic atmosphere is not harmed, said the VC.