Chittagong University BCL clashes with police, shuttle train service halted

A section of the Chittagong University Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) has been involved in a clash with police after they demanded the university allow a suspended BCL leader to take exams.

At least 28, including five police personnel, were injured in the clash at the university’s Communication and Journalism Department and the Zero Point area.

Following the clash BCL activists stopped a shuttle train service from Chittagong city to the university.

Fourth year Communication and Journalism Department student and CU BCL executive committee member Abdullah Al Kaiser Shakil was temporarily suspended by the university administration six months ago for disciplinary reasons.

Department Chairman Abul Kalam Azad told bdnews24.com fourth year students were scheduled to take their exams at 10am on Thursday.

“The student had been suspended for disciplinary reasons. Over a hundred BCL activists came to the department this morning to demand he be allowed to take his exams. The group, however, left during the discussion with police and the university administration.”

They returned some time later and started a scuffle with police, forcing the exams to be cancelled, he said.

“Shakil’s classmates boycotted the exam because he was not allowed to take them,” said CU BCL Deputy Office Secretary Mizanur Rahman Bipul. “Police surrounded and began beating them.”

Police say five personnel were injured by brickbats, one person has been detained and the situation is under control.