Fresh clashes broke out between students of Chittagong University and local residents near the campus on Sunday, leaving at least 50 people injured, including Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Md. Kamal Uddin.
The violence erupted around 12:05 pm near Jobra village adjacent to the university’s Gate No. 2, after nearly an hour and a half of standoff. Witnesses said both groups engaged in brick-throwing and chase-and-counter-chase, resulting in multiple injuries. Several of the wounded students were seen bleeding from head injuries.
Earlier in the morning, around 11:30 am, hundreds of students gathered on one side of the road while local residents stood on the opposite side, shouting slogans at each other.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, Professor Kamal Uddin, and Proctor Tanvir Mohammad Haydar Arif attempted to calm both groups, but failed to prevent the outbreak of violence. Notably, no law enforcement personnel were seen at the spot during the clashes.
The latest incident follows overnight clashes between students and locals at the same location from around 12:15 am until 4:00 am Sunday.
At least 70 students were injured in that confrontation, which reportedly stemmed from an incident involving a female student.
Witnesses said the situation was brought under control only after army personnel intervened around 3:30 am.
According to students, the unrest began when a female student who resides in a rented building near Gate No. 2 was assaulted by a security guard of the building as she tried to enter late Saturday night.
When other students confronted the guard, he attempted to flee, leading to further altercations. Students alleged that local residents then began throwing bricks at them, escalating the clash. Locals later gathered in larger numbers using loudspeakers and attacked students.
Students further claimed that local miscreants also vandalized three vehicles belonging to the proctor’s office and police. Pro-Vice Chancellor Md. Kamal Uddin said steps would be taken regarding the repeated attacks on students and the destruction of university property.
Local residents, however, accused students of initiating the violence over a trivial matter and alleged that houses in the area had been vandalized during the clashes.
