BCL men beat up their own for protesting poor quality of canteen food

An activist of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) of Dhaka College unit was injured in an attack allegedly by some BCL men of the same college last night (September 1, 2022).

Shariar Hasnat Zion, a student of philosophy department, claimed that he was attacked by BCL activist Kawser Hasan and his followers in front of City Complex at New Market near the college around 11pm since he earlier protested against providing low-quality food from the college canteen run by Kawser, reports our Dhaka University correspondent.

Zion alleged that at least 30 BCL activists attacked him with iron rods, hockey sticks, and machetes when he was sitting at a tea stall in front of the City Complex.

He took first aid from Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said Zion.

The victim told The Daily Star that he went to the canteen last night after receiving a complaint from students that low-quality food was being provided but the canteen manager was charging high prices.

Over this, he asked the canteen manager to close for some time and to reopen after discussing with the administration, he said.

Talking to this correspondent Kawser denied the allegations and claimed Zion demanded extortion from the canteen which was why he was attacked by many students. Kawser claimed himself to be innocent.

According to college students, Kawser and some of his friends took lease of the canteen from the college authorities.

However, Kawser denied saying that he was not the owner of the canteen, but one of his friends was.

"He [Zion] has no right to threaten to close the canteen as he is not authorised. He claimed extortion from the canteen," said Kawser.

Zion said, "As I raised voice against low-quality food, he [Kawser] blamed me for extortion."

Contacted, Prof Mohammad Yusuf, principal of Dhaka College, told The Daily Star, "We were informed of the matter. We will look into to find out what exactly happened."

Abdul Latif, officer-in-charge of New Market Police Station, said he knew nothing of the incident. "If anyone files any complaint, police will take action."