Students of Dhaka College and City College clashed violently yesterday, following allegations of bus vandalism stemming from a previous altercation.
The conflict began around 2:30pm at the Science Laboratory intersection in Dhaka, and continued until after 6pm, with students carrying sticks and blocking the roads. During the clash, several buses were reportedly damaged.
To disperse the students, the police fired tear gas and sound grenades. The army was also deployed to help control the situation.
Several people, including police officers and students from both sides, were injured, according to the police.
Masud Alam, Ramna Division deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said that the conflict started over a minor altercation and vehicle vandalism, which led to a series of chases and fights between the two groups.
"Initially, the police tried to peacefully remove them from the road. However, the situation escalated to a point where there was concern for student safety. In response, the police used sound grenades and tear gas to regain control," he said.
While students from City College eventually left the area, those from Dhaka College regrouped in front of their college around 6:00pm. Five people, including Shahriar, 21, and Nur Hossain, 24, from City College, and Tushar, 18, Anim, 21, and Nazmus Sakib from Dhaka College, were reported injured in the clash.
In late October, students from City College had demanded the removal of the acting principal and vice-principal, leading to tensions at the college. After being closed for 20 days due to the dispute, academic activities had resumed on Tuesday.
Dhaka College wants removal of City College from Science Lab area
The Dhaka College Teachers Council has demanded the removal of City College from the area, saying that over 150 students from Dhaka College were injured in the clashes yesterday afternoon.
The council raised these demands on behalf of the college administration at a press conference held at the Dhaka College Auditorium at 6:30pm.
AKM Rafiqul Islam, secretary of the Teachers' Council, said: "Over 150 students and one teacher were injured in the clashes. Proper medical treatment must be ensured for the injured. The army directly attacked and vandalized Dhaka College’s premises, which is shameful for us. Action should be taken against the senior officials of the administration involved in this attack, especially the police officers responsible for giving the orders to attack, and they should resign."
Rafiqul Islam further said: "Previously, some students from City College were found guilty of causing disorder, and to prevent further clashes, City College should be relocated. The teachers from City College who are directly involved in this disgraceful incident and those who gave the orders must be brought to justice."