20 held after BCL infighting at CU

Twenty activists of the Chittagong University unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League were detained from two dormitories last night following an attack and counter attack between two factions of the organisation on campus.

Police conducted raids at Shah Amanat and Shahjalal Hall and detained 20 BCL men, CU Proctor Prof SM Monirul Hasan told reporters.

Yesterday, four activists were injured in an infighting between the activists of two shuttle train compartment-based groups – Bijoy and Choose Friends with Care (CFC) on campus, said police.

Meanwhile, the shuttle train service, prime mode of transportation for non-resident students of CU, was suspended today on security purpose as a faction of BCL, Bijoy group enforced an indefinite strike on campus protesting yesterday’s infighting.

No train left Chattogram Railway Station since morning due to security threat as the loco masters usually face abduction and harassment for plying trains during BCL strikes on campus, railway sources said.

If normalcy returns on the campus, the service would resume, the proctor said.

Bus that carries teachers to and from the university also remained suspended due to the strike, according to university sources.

CU Proctor Prof Monirul Hasan said the suspension of the shuttle train service would not leave an impact as classes and regular activities were suspended in any way today due to annual sports programme. 

Earlier in the morning, Bijoy group brought out a procession protesting the “attack”.

The BCL faction blamed CU unit BCL President Rejaul Haque Rubel for the “unrest” and declared him persona non grata (person not appreciated).

Talking to our CU correspondent, Proctor Monirul said they would not spare anyone involved in violence. “Action will be taken against the detainees after investigation,” added Monirul.