Protests break out over leadership exclusion, two injured in Dhaka University clash

A dispute over the formation of the Bangladesh Democratic Student Parliament turned violent on Wednesday, resulting in two student leaders being injured. 

The incident took place at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen around 5:45 PM, during the official announcement of the new student group.

The injured students, Mishu Ali (24) and Akib Al Hasan (23), were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for medical attention following the altercation.

According to Nahid Islam, a fellow student from Dhaka University who accompanied Akib Al Hasan to the hospital, the clash broke out between two factions. 

The argument escalated into a physical fight after the declaration of the new student organization’s name, leaving several students wounded. 

Mishu Ali, who is a central coordinator and a student of Dhaka University’s Journalism Department, along with Akib Al Hasan, a master‍‍`s student in Printing and Studies at Dhaka University, were among the injured.

Nahid mentioned that the conflict stemmed from dissatisfaction among students from seven colleges and private universities, who felt left out during the committee formation process. 

"These students believed they were unfairly excluded from key positions in the newly formed committee," he added.

However, Nahid could not confirm the identities of the individuals responsible for the attack on the injured coordinators.

Officer-in-charge of the DMCH police camp, Inspector Md. Faruk, confirmed that two students had been brought to the hospital following the clash at the university. 

He mentioned that both students were undergoing treatment in the emergency department and are now stable.

The violence occurred just after the announcement of the Bangladesh Democratic Student Parliament at a press briefing in front of Madhur Canteen. 

The central committee of the new student group was officially introduced with Abu Bakar Majumder as the convener, Tawhid Mohammad Siam as the senior joint convener, and Zahid Ahsan as the general secretary. 

Other notable appointments included Rifat Rashid as the senior general secretary, Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury as the chief organizer, and Ashrefa Khatun as the spokesperson.

On the same day, the Dhaka University committee was also revealed. 

Abdul Kader was named the convener, with Limon Mahmud Hasan as the senior joint convener, Mahir Alam as the general secretary, Al Amin Sarkar as the senior general secretary, Hasib Al Islam as the chief organizer, and Rafia Rehnuma Hridi as the spokesperson.

Soon after the leadership was announced, a section of students who did not receive positions began protesting, chanting slogans demanding justice and fairness. 

Tensions quickly escalated, leading to a confrontation between the organizers and protesters. 

In the ensuing chaos, Mishu Ali and Akib Al Hasan sustained injuries and were later transported to DMCH for treatment.

The incident highlights the growing tension within student bodies over leadership and representation, with many students demanding more inclusive decision-making processes.