Fresh clashes erupt between Dhaka College, City College students

Traffic on the busy Mirpur Road grinds to a halt

Clashes have once again broken out between students of Dhaka College and City College in the capital, reportedly leaving several people injured and bringing traffic on Mirpur Road to a halt.

The unrest began around 12:30pm on Thursday, when students from the two institutions faced off near New Market.

Witnesses said the confrontation broke out suddenly, with both sides hurling brickbats and chasing each other through the streets.

New Market Police Station chief Mahfuzul Islam was unable to provide details, saying officers were “busy trying to stop the fighting”. The cause of the clash is still unclear.

The two institutions are located just a quarter of a kilometre apart, and clashes between their students are not new. News of their confrontations often makes headlines over seemingly trivial disputes.

On Mar 18, a major clash between the two groups left at least 50 people injured. Students from the two colleges also fought on Feb 20 and Jan 19 this year.

In April, a Dhaka College student was allegedly beaten by City College pupils, sparking retaliation and leading to a day of violence.

Traders and businesses in the area are weary of repeated clashes disrupting their livelihoods.