Over 200 injured as RU students clash with locals over bus seats

More than 200 people, including campus journalists, were injured in a clash that broke out between Rajshahi University students, and locals. 

The incident took place near the Binodpur gate of the university on Saturday. The clash allegedly took place over bus seats. 

At least 10 campus journalists were reportedly injured while covering the incident.

Witnesses said that Alamin Akash, a student of the 2017-18 session of the Social Work Department of the university, was coming to Rajshahi by bus from Bogra. Akash talked to the bus driver, and assistant about the seats, but an argument took place between them.

When the bus reached the university gate, the parties again got involved in an argument, and that led to a clash afterward.

Later, a local shopkeeper came and got into an argument with the students. At that point, another clash broke out between the parties. 

During the clash, the students set fire to several shops in the area, and  the police box adjacent to the Binodpur gate of the university was also vandalized.

The members of the fire service were seen frantically trying to extinguish the blaze after receiving the information. 

Clash broke out between students and locals near Binodpur gate, Rajshahi University Dhaka Tribune

On information, police rushed to the spot and lobbed tear gas shells and fired rubber bullets. The students later occupied the university premises while locals were outside the campus. 

Meanwhile, seven platoons of BGB along with additional policemen have been deployed.

The situation reportedly calmed down after 11pm.

Rajshahi University has announced the closure of all classes and examinations on Sunday and Monday 13 through a notification. 

The notification signed by Pradeep Kumar Pandey, the public relations officer of the university, informed that classes and examinations will continue as usual from Tuesday.

The injured were taken to the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH)by bus as they could not be accommodated in the university's medical centre. 

Pro Vice Chancellor Sultan Ul Islam said: “At least 200 students of the university were injured. They have been sent to RMCH.”

The rescue workers are currently looking for blood for the injured. In this regard, a rescue worker said: "Our brothers are injured. They have been sent o RMCH. We need blood for them.”

Although both sides were injured in the clash, the exact number of injured locals is yet to be found.