At Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), clashes broke out between activists of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal (JCD) and members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement over demands to ban student politics on campus. The confrontations occurred intermittently from Tuesday afternoon to evening, leaving over 100 people injured.
Following the violence, students held a press briefing at night, demanding a complete ban on student politics at KUET, punishment for the attackers, and the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, and Director of Student Welfare. They issued an ultimatum, stating that all classes and exams would be suspended until their five-point demands were met by 1 PM on Wednesday.
Tensions Spill Over into Khulna City
As a result of the clashes, tensions escalated in Khulna city’s Shibbari Mor area on Tuesday night. Members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement gathered and protested at the Zia Hall premises, while activists of the BNP and its affiliates gathered nearby at Shibbari Mor Square. The two groups were only a few meters apart, leading to heightened tension.
To control the situation, two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed at KUET. Meanwhile, the National Citizen’s Committee condemned the alleged attack by JCD on KUET students. In response to the clashes, both the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and JCD organized separate protest programs at Dhaka University on Tuesday night.
Background and Build-Up to the Clashes
According to campus sources, KUET’s Syndicate had banned politics for students, teachers, and staff on August 11. However, tensions began to rise recently as JCD distributed leaflets on campus on Monday, leading to heated discussions within student groups. On Tuesday morning, students demanding a ban on student politics organized a rally and marched to the Vice-Chancellor’s office. A verbal confrontation ensued with JCD activists, escalating into violent clashes by the afternoon.
The situation worsened as BNP leaders and supporters from nearby areas joined the clashes, causing the violence to spread beyond the campus to surrounding areas, including Railgate and Teligati. The confrontations continued until 5 PM, leaving over a hundred people injured. Five individuals were detained by the police at the scene.
Statements from Involved Parties
Jahidur Rahman, Secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at KUET, stated that at least 50 of their members were seriously injured, with the total number of injured exceeding 150. He alleged that JCD activists attacked them with bricks, stones, and weapons, including machetes, bringing in outsiders to assist in the assault.
On the other hand, a JCD leader claimed that members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement included affiliates of banned student organizations, accusing them of attempting to disrupt JCD’s political activities on campus.
Protests Spread Nationwide
Following the clashes, protests erupted in various locations. Anti-Discrimination Student Movement members organized demonstrations in Kushtia, Kurigram, Barisal, Rajshahi University, Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST). They demanded justice for the attacks on KUET students.
BGB Deployment and Current Situation
To restore order, two platoons of BGB have been deployed at KUET. Additionally, security has been tightened with the presence of the army, navy, police, and RAB. The situation remains tense, with students standing firm on their demands for banning student politics and ensuring justice for the victims of the clashes.
