Shah Amanat Hall, the biggest dorm at Chittagong University, was reopened yesterday after more than 10 months, but tension still prevailed between two Chhatra League factions over the hall’s occupation.
The university authorities decided to reopen the dorm, which was shut on January 12 following a heavy clash between Chhatra League and Chhatra Shibir activists, for the students who had been allotted seats. The clash led to the death of a student.
Chhatra League activists of different factions forcibly got into the hall yesterday after it was reopened in the presence of police and university officials but the number of registered students was very low.
Witnesses said Chhatra League activists loyal to Chittagong city unit Awami League General Secretary AJM Nasir Uddin and members of Amit-Mamun group backed by city unit President ABM Mohiudin Chowdhury entered the dorm while another Chhatra League faction called Varsity Express (VX) took position in front of the hall. Police later dispersed the VX men.
Shah Amanat Hall has 632 seats but it accommodates around 1,500 students, said sources.
In addition to Shah Amanat Hall, Chhatra League now has two dormitories under its occupation whereas Chhatra Shibir dominates three.
Shah Amanat Hall Provost Professor Dr Mohammed Abul Mansur told the Dhaka Tribune that the dormitory was reopened for the registered students while the re-allotment decision was cancelled.
“Initially, only the registered students will be be allowed at the dormitory by November 25 while the fresh students who applied for seats will be allowed later based on their merits,” he said.
Proctor of the university Siraj Ud Dowla refused to talk about the Chhatra League issue, saying the hall authorities were better informed of this. The hall provost said only the registered students were allowed inside yesterday and general students should have nothing to fear.
Hathazari police station Officer-in-Charge Md Ismail Hossain said additional police were deployed on the campus to avert any untoward situation. Rashed Hossain, a VX leader, alleged the hall authorities allowed some outsiders inside the dorm.
