Tensions have escalated between the Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir at Islamic University (IU) following an allegation that a Chhatra Dal leader slapped a Chhatra Shibir leader. The incident has led to repeated clashes and the exchange of brickbats on the campus.

The tense situation emerged around the university’s main gate from 5pm on Saturday (September 5), involving campus-based activists of Chhatra Dal and Shibir as well as local leaders and activists of BNP, Jubo Dal and Jamaat-Shibir.

According to sources, Chhatra Shibir leader Kazi Juhaer returned to his residential hall at around 1:45pm on Saturday after completing an examination to have a meal. After entering the hall and reaching the corridor, Chhatra Dal leader Alinur allegedly slapped him without warning.

When other students attempted to calm the situation, Alinur allegedly behaved rudely with them as well. Later, when Juhaer’s followers gathered at the spot, Alinur went to Room No. 217 of the hall. A CCTV video of the incident has also circulated on social media.

Following the incident, Chhatra Shibir activists went to the hall and allegedly attempted to vandalise Alinur’s room. The window glass of the room was reportedly damaged during the incident. Members of the proctorial body later went to the spot and dispersed them.

At one stage, with assistance from the proctorial body and police administration, Alinur was taken out of the hall and brought to the proctor’s office.

Meanwhile, following the incident, the campus unit of Chhatra Dal locked the university’s main gate and brought out a protest procession. Around 4pm, they staged the procession against Chhatra Shibir, accusing the organisation of creating instability on campus. The procession went around Doyna Chattar before ending with a brief rally at the main gate.

Afterwards, Chhatra Dal activists took position at the university’s main gate. At one point, local Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal activists also gathered there. Later, they were involved in chases and counter-chases and repeated clashes with local Jamaat-Shibir activists.

Brickbats were also thrown by both sides during the clashes, creating a highly tense situation around the university’s main gate.