12 Injured, Including Journalists, in Chhatra Dal-Shibir Clash at DU

A violent clash broke out between activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir at the Dhaka University (DU) campus on Thursday night, leaving at least 12 people injured. The victims, which include top student leaders and eight working journalists, were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 9:45 PM. The conflict has sparked intense tension across the university area and the adjacent Shahbagh intersection, with law enforcement agencies struggling to maintain order.

According to hospital sources and eyewitnesses, the injured include DUCSU Social Service Secretary AB Zubayer and Literature and Cultural Affairs Secretary Mossadek. Other injured students have been identified as Tanjim, Alvi, and Ehsan. The conflict also took a heavy toll on the media personnel covering the event. Among the eight injured journalists, Mohammad Iftekhar Hossain Sifat of Dhaka Mail sustained severe injuries to his eyes and face. He was initially taken to the DMCH before being moved to the Dhaka University Medical Centre for specialized care. The other injured journalists represent various national outlets, including Kaler Kantho, Dhaka Tribune, and Daily Observer.

Inspector Md. Faruk, the officer-in-charge of the DMCH police camp, confirmed that 12 individuals were brought to the hospital from the university campus following the skirmish. He stated that they are currently receiving treatment at Ward No. 4 of the emergency department. The local Shahbagh police station has been notified of the incident to initiate further investigation. Reports also surfaced of an attack on DUCSU leader Mossadek inside a police station, which further escalated the unrest in the Shahbagh area.

Campus sources revealed that tensions had been brewing between the two student organizations over territorial dominance for several days. The situation escalated into an open street battle on Thursday night, with leaders from both sides, including JCD President Rakib and Shibir leader Sadiq, reportedly seen leading their respective factions. Activists armed with rods and sticks have taken up positions at various strategic points on campus. While the police are attempting to de-escalate the situation, a palpable sense of fear remains among general students. University authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of the violence or the security measures being implemented to prevent further escalation.