31 hurt as Awami League, BNP student wings clash at Shaheed Minar

Leaders and activists of the Chhatra League and the Chhatra Dal were locked in fierce clashes on Tuesday that left at least 31 people injured in the Dhaka University area.

The first clash erupted around 9:30am when Chhatra Dal activists attempted to enter the university campus to hold a pre-scheduled press conference.

At the time, members of the Chhatra League launched an attack on the Chhatra Dal with iron rods, hockey sticks, and sticks, claimed Chhatra Dal activists.

This resulted in a chase and counter-chase between the two parties from Central Shaheed Minar to Curzon Hall area that lasted for over half an hour.

However, the Chhatra League claimed that general students stood up against the protesters to maintain peace in the campus area.

One of the injured Chhatra Dal activist during Tuesday's clash Dhaka Tribune

According to eye-witnesses, at least 31 leaders and activists of the Chhatra Dal, including Senior Vice President of the party and Organizing Secretary of the central committee Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya, were injured in the attack.

The injured activists were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Of them, some were in critical condition.

Following the clash, Chhatra Dal members left the area while Chhatra League activists took positions at several points of the DU campus.

Injured Chhatra Dal leader Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya said: "The Chhatra League attacked us when we were on our way to our pre-announced program on the DU campus. No matter how many terrorist attacks they carry out, we will return to campus again. we want to be with ordinary students.”

Clash between Chhatra League and Chhatra Dal activists on Tuesday in front of Central Shaheed Minar on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Dhaka Tribune

At 11:30am, another clash took place when Chhatra Dal activists tried to return to the campus which left more people injured.

Chhatra Dal Central Committee Senior Joint General Secretary Rakibul Islam told reporters: "We were marching towards the TSC with over 500 leaders and activists in a peaceful manner. We did not even chant any slogans.”

He said activists of the Chhatra League were already waiting in front of the Central Shaheed Minar to stop them from entering the campus.

One of the injured during the clash lying on the ground in front of Central Shaheed Minar on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Dhaka Tribune 

On Sunday evening, Chhatra League leaders and activists attacked some Chhatra Dal leaders and activists in the TSC area following a statement made by Chhatra Dal General Secretary Saif Mahmud Jewel about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Chhatra Dal leaders scheduled a press conference on Tuesday morning to protest the incident and explain Saif Mahmud's statement.

Activists of Chhatra Dal waiting in front of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital following the clash Dhaka Tribune

Saddam Hossain, general secretary of DU's Chhatra League unit, described the incident as a clash between members of the two rival student groups and slammed JCD general secretary's derogatory remarks on the prime minister.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condemned the attack on Chhatra Dal activists at a press briefing at the party's Gulshan office, where he announced his party’s intention to hold talks with like-minded opposition parties.

Chhatra League activists holding a procession following the clash in front of Central Shaheed Minar area in Dhaka on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune