10 injured in clash between Chhatra Dal, Shibir activists at Barishal University

At least 10 people were injured in a clash between activists of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir at Barishal University on Wednesday over allegations that outsiders had joined a campus rally.

The clash broke out in the morning when the university unit of Chhatra Shibir brought out a procession titled "Indomitable July," according to witnesses and campus sources.

An argument reportedly began after Chhatra Dal activists objected to the alleged presence of outsiders in the rally. The altercation later escalated into a clash, followed by several rounds of chase and counter-chase.

Ashiq Ahmed, senior vice-president of the university unit of Chhatra Dal, alleged that Chhatra Shibir had entered the campus with outsiders carrying sticks and flags. 

He claimed that Shibir activists attacked Chhatra Dal members after they requested that the programme be held without outsiders, leaving five to six of their activists injured.

Rejecting the allegation, Zakaria Islam Babu, general secretary of the university unit of Chhatra Shibir, said they had been holding a peaceful programme marking the anniversary of the July Uprising when Chhatra Dal activists attacked them near the Vice-Chancellor's gate.

He claimed that around five Shibir activists were injured in the attack and alleged that the incident occurred in the presence of university authorities. Although the university proctor tried to control the situation, the attack continued, he added.

Zakaria also said a complaint had been submitted to the university's Vice-Chancellor seeking justice over the incident.

Both student organisations blamed each other for triggering the violence.

The university proctor could not be reached for comment.

Belal Hossain, additional deputy commissioner of Barishal Metropolitan Police, said police rushed to the campus after receiving information about the clash.

"Additional police have been deployed on the campus following the incident. We have urged both sides to remain calm," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, violence erupted as activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir clashed at several educational institutions in the capital, leaving dozens injured.