More than 50 people were injured in violent clashes between students of Chittagong University (CU) and local villagers late Saturday night.
The incident broke out around 11:30 pm near the university’s Gate No. 2, following an altercation between a female student and a building caretaker in the adjacent Jobra village.
According to locals, the student returned home around 11:00 pm and found the building gate locked. When she called the caretaker, an argument ensued. Witnesses alleged that the caretaker verbally abused her and slapped her.
The student then informed her classmates, who quickly gathered at the scene. Villagers, siding with the caretaker, confronted the students, sparking a violent clash. Both sides threw bricks and chased each other with sticks. Several reports also claimed that sharp weapons were used against the students.
Around 3:00 am, CU Proctor Professor Tanvir Md. Hayder Arif posted on Facebook, appealing for calm. He stated:
“During the clash with villagers at Gate No. 2, many students were injured. Assistant Proctor Kurban Ali Sir, Nazmul Sir, and Security Chief Rahim Bhai were also hurt, along with several security personnel. The proctorial body, police, and university vehicles were vandalized.”
CU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Kamal Uddin confirmed that army personnel were eventually deployed around 3:30 am to bring the situation under control.
“The building caretaker assaulted one of our female students. When students protested, villagers attacked them, leaving many injured. There was insufficient police presence on the ground, and we failed to get RAB support. Finally, the army intervened and restored order,” he said.
