BCL, Chhatra Dal activists clash at DU

Activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) locked into a clash on Dhaka University campus yesterday morning.

JCD activists claimed that BCL men attacked them when they were holding a scheduled programme. BCL activists denied the allegation.

The clash took place two days after Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader expressed fear of possible "instability" in educational institutions as they are preparing to reopen the institutions.

Rakibul Islam Rakib, convener of JCD's DU unit, told The Daily Star that they brought out a procession from Central Shaheed Minar around 10am, protesting the arrests of organising secretary of JCD central committee Saif Mahmud Jewel and assistant organising secretary Moshiur Rahman Rony.

BCL men attacked the procession when it reached near TSC, Rakib claimed, adding that at least 15 JCD activists were injured in the attack.

Among the injured, two were undergoing treatment

at Dhaka Medical College Hospital while the rest at other hospitals.

Later they held a press conference at Dhaka University Journalists' Association and demanded punishment of the attackers.

Contacted, Saddam Hossain, general secretary of BCL's DU chapter, said Chhatra League activists are now busy with humanitarian activities during the pandemic and they have no involvement with the incident.

Asked, DU proctor Prof Dr AKM Golam Rabbani said no one has lodged any complaint over the incident yet.

"I heard that an organistaion came to the campus to hold programmes without our permission amid this closure. I request everyone to be responsible and refrain from any such activity that will create unrest on campus," he added.