Halls vacated at Sylhet's Shahjalal University after clash

The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have told students to vacate the residential halls for 16 days following a clash between two factions of the Awami League's student front.

On Tuesday, two factions of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) fought running battles on the campus with locally-made bombs.

Police raided the three residential halls for male students after the clashes and seized local weapons, crude bombs and bullets.

"The halls have been vacated for 16days due to tension between the two Chhatra League factions. All classes and exams will remain suspended also," SUST Acting Proctor Munshi Naser Ibne Afzal said.

Students said a running battle erupted on the campus between BCL activists loyal to SUST unit General Secretary Imran Khan and Senior Vice President Abu Sayeed Akanda.

At least 15 crude bombs were exploded and bullets were fired during the clash, according to witnesses.

Several rooms of the Shah Paran hall were ransacked as well.

Police raided the three halls-- Shah Paran, Syed Mujtobal Ali and Bangabandhu-- between 12am and 4am on Wednesday.

Iron rods, sharp weapons, crude bombs and three rounds of ammunition were recovered from the Shah Paran Hall, said the hall's Provost Md Shahedul Hossain. No one has been detained.

Nothing was found in the two others residential halls.

The university authorities issued an instruction to vacate the halls at 8am, which triggered protests by students.

Demonstrations and processions have been held in the halls after the announcement.

Authorities said security concerns prompted the decision.

"It has been done to avoid further clashes and for the sake of students' security," said Proctor Hossain.