Chhatra Dal-Shibir clash at Tolaram College leaves 8 injured, dormitory 'vandalised, looted'
The two groups blamed each other for the clash, while Chhatra Dal faced allegations of attacking a college hostel and looting valuables after the incident.
At least eight people were injured in a clash between activists of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir at Government Tolaram College in Narayanganj's Chashara today (5 August), while Shibir alleged that Chhatra Dal activists vandalised the college's Sher-e-Bangla student hostel in the city's Octroi Office area before looting valuables.
The clash broke out in the afternoon after Chhatra Shibir activists were allegedly prevented from delivering a speech at a programme marking the July Uprising on the college campus.
The dispute soon escalated into a clash, with activists from both sides using iron rods, sticks and brickbats.
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Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Detective Branch) Hasinuzzaman said police restored order after arriving at the campus. He added that legal action would be taken against those involved after reviewing CCTV footage.
Both organisations blamed each other for triggering the violence.
Chhatra Shibir activists alleged that Chhatra Dal leaders and activists launched a sudden attack while their July Uprising programme was underway.
Chhatra Dal activists, however, claimed that Shibir members attacked them without provocation after the programme had ended, leaving several of their members injured.
Following the clash, allegations emerged that Chhatra Dal activists later attacked the college's Sher-e-Bangla student hostel in the Octroi Office area of the city.
Witnesses alleged that a group of around 50 people entered the hostel and vandalised several rooms while searching for Shibir activists.
They also alleged that laptops, computers, mobile phones, tablets and wallets were taken from some rooms.
Some students affiliated with Chhatra Shibir, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Islami Chhatra Andolan, as well as general students, claimed their rooms were damaged during the incident.
Shah Mohammad Sagir Hossain, president of the Islami Chhatra Andolan's Tolaram College unit, alleged that his room was vandalised and valuables, including a laptop and documents, were taken.
Another student, Sharif Abdullah, claimed he was beaten and had his electronic devices and money taken despite not being involved in any political organisation.
Narayanganj city Chhatra Shakti Member Secretary Zahirul Islam alleged that ordinary students were targeted after being labelled as Shibir supporters.
However, Tolaram College Chhatra Dal President Monir Hossain Zia denied allegations of harassment, saying phones of some students were checked over their alleged involvement in a Facebook group spreading anti-Chhatra Dal content and were later handed over to the hostel authorities.
Tolaram College Principal Mohammad Shahidul Islam said he was unaware of the reported hostel attack but confirmed that a three-member committee had been formed to investigate the overall incident.
"I do not know about the attack on the hostel. A three-member committee has been formed over the overall incident. Further action will be taken after receiving their report," he said.
