At least five activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League were injured as rallies of two rival groups crossed each other in the capital, while celebrating their 71st founding anniversary on Saturday.
The injured – Ajijul Haque, Md Azim, Aminul Islam, Md Tushar and Md Nayon – are activists of different hall units of Dhaka University.
Of the injured, Aminul Islam who sustained a head injury was undergoing treatment at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) while others were given first aid.
Witnesses said, activists of rival groups- one of Jagannath hall unit Chhatra League and the other of Dhaka College unit of DU, locked in a scuffle when their processions which were brought out from the DU Fine Arts Faculty, marched the main thoroughfares of the city marking the 71st founding anniversary of the organisation, and reached near the Dhaka College gate area.
The scuffle broke out when the Chhatra League men started throwing brickbats at each other.
Also Read- Tofail hopeful of BCL victory in Ducsu polls
Later, Chhatra League activists of Surja Sen hall and Salimullah Muslim hall joined the Jagannath hall unit and chased activists of the Dhaka College unit towards the High Court intersection, said witnesses.
The Chhatra League men also reportedly obstructed the media from taking photos of the scene.
President and General Secretary of Chhatra League could not be reached over phone to comment.
Many leaders and activists of DU Chhatra League unit expressed anger, for the president and general secretary of DU unit did not give them a chance to speak at the program.
The function was conducted by Central General Secretary of Chhatra League, Golam Rabbani, where President Rezwanul Haque Chowdhury Shovon presided.
Earlier in the day, Advisory Committee member of ruling Awami League, Tofail Ahmed inaugurated the program, by releasing balloons and hoisting the national flag.
Former and current leaders and activists of the ruling student front from different units were present at the program.
