Published : 05 Aug 2026, 01:27 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:30 AM
Tensions between Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir have spread across campuses in Dhaka and Rangpur, with clashes at four locations inside 24 hours leaving dozens injured and prompting increased police deployment.
The violence began at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur on Monday evening, where the ruling BNP’s student front and Opposition Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing clashed for around five and a half hours, with back-and-forth chases and brickbat throwing continuing until about 1am.
At least 15 people were injured, according to reports.
University Proctor Prof Ferdous Rahman said the confrontation began after Chhatra Dal objected to a banner put up for a Shibir programme. An argument over the banner later escalated into a clash.
The university administration formed a five-member committee on Tuesday to investigate the incident and submit a report with recommendations.
Jagannath University Clash
The tension spilled into Dhaka on Tuesday morning, when Chhatra Dal and Shibir activists clashed at Jagannath University.
At least 15 people were injured, including university unit Shibir President Abdul Alim Arif and Chhatra Dal Convening Committee Member Yasin Saif.
The clash began around 11:45am when the chairman of the University Grants Commission arrived at the university’s central auditorium to attend a programme, witnesses said.
Following the clash, Chhatra Dal activists drove Shibir members out of the campus and staged a sit-in.
The confrontation later moved to National Medical College Hospital, where the injured were receiving treatment.
Around 2pm, Shibir activists from different units gathered at the hospital, while Chhatra Dal activists assembled outside the main gate and shouted slogans.
At one point, Shibir activists charged towards their rivals, prompting a counter-charge that forced them back inside the hospital. Both sides hurled brickbats, while several activists were seen carrying locally made weapons.
Sutrapur Police chief Matiur Rahman told bdnews24.com, “They first clashed among themselves on the university campus. The injured were later admitted to National Medical College Hospital.
“Another round of chases and counter-chases took place there. Our police are working to bring the situation under control.”
Dhaka College Clash
A few hours later, violence erupted at Dhaka College, where Chhatra Dal and Shibir activists clashed outside the auditorium around 3pm.
Witnesses said the confrontation followed reports of the clash at Jagannath University. They estimated around 20 people were injured.
Milad Hossain, member secretary of the Dhaka College unit of Chhatra Dal, claimed 11 of the injured were Chhatra Dal activists.
“We had a workers' meeting at the Dhaka College auditorium [on Tuesday]. As we were heading there, Chhatra Shibir leaders and activists, along with outsiders, attacked us,” he told bdnews24.com.
Milad also alleged that Shibir activists exploded crude bombs outside the college.
Shibir members denied the allegation. Its Central General Secretary SM Farhad said: “We had a previously announced prayer programme for martyrs [of July Uprising on Tuesday]. Chhatra Dal members attacked our leaders and activists there. Many of our members were injured.”
Around 5:30pm, Chhatra Dal activists gathered inside the college campus, while Shibir activists gathered at the Science Lab intersection.
Police were deployed around Dhaka College, New Market and Science Lab as tensions remained high.
Alia Madrasa Clash
Another confrontation broke out around 5pm at Alia Madrasa in Dhaka’s Bakshibazar, leaving several people injured, including the institution’s principal.
Principal Mahmud Obaidul Haque, former Alia unit Chhatra Dal senior joint convenor Sanuallah, identified by a single name, and Lalbagh unit Chhatra Dal member secretary Nichar Uddin Rabbi were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Student Sabbir Rahman said a group of 30 to 40 people carrying rods, sticks and brickbats attacked Sanuallah and Rabbi as they stood talking on campus.
Rabbi said several people suddenly attacked them while shouting “Nara-e-Takbir”, and alleged that the attackers were Shibir activists.
The allegations could not immediately be verified, while bdnews24.com was trying to reach Shibir for comment.
A police officer, citing local residents and students, said tensions had been building since morning over control of residential seats and campus dominance.
Lalbagh Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman said the situation was brought under control by around 6pm.
“However, it cannot be said at this moment what caused the clash. We have received reports that several people were injured, but the exact number is not yet known,” he told bdnews24.com.
A police officer speaking on condition of anonymity said Shibir activists were no longer inside the madrasa campus and were scattered outside, while additional police had been deployed.
The successive clashes have heightened tensions between the two student organisations, with rival groups blaming each other for triggering the violence as authorities move to contain the unrest.
