Two Chhatra Dal groups clash at Jagannath University

Jagannath University Chhatra Dal Factions Clash Near Victoria Park

Thebangladaily.com – Two factions of Bangladesh Chhatra Dal at Jagannath University became involved in a confrontation on Sunday, heightening tensions within the campus-based organisation. The groups were led by Chhatra Dal member secretary Shamsul Arefin and joint convener Nahian Bin Anik.

The incident took place near Victoria Park, where a disagreement escalated into an exchange involving rods. The confrontation drew attention because it involved supporters of two senior figures within the university unit of the organisation.

Conflicting Accounts of How the Clash Began

The dispute unfolded at a tea stall in the area near Victoria Park. Supporters of Arefin were accused of initiating an attack on Anik’s group with rods. Anik, however, said his side was targeted first and that his followers responded while trying to protect themselves.

He said the opposing group was chased with rods after the initial attack. Anik also alleged that people from outside the university were involved among those who took part in the confrontation.

Such competing versions are important in incidents involving rival political groups, as they can affect how university authorities assess responsibility and determine whether any disciplinary action is required. At this stage, the administration has said it is keeping watch over developments.

Disagreement Linked to September 19 Reading Session

The conflict is believed to have grown out of a dispute connected to a reading session organised by Arefin on September 19. Anik had made a critical social-media comment about that programme, though the post was later removed.

While the deleted comment appears to have been part of the background to the disagreement, the events on Sunday reflected a more immediate breakdown between the two groups. Political and organisational disputes on campuses can often begin with public criticism or internal disagreements, then become more serious when supporters of competing leaders confront one another directly.

The episode also underlines how quickly online exchanges can spill into physical spaces when tensions are already present. A deleted post may reduce public visibility, but it does not necessarily resolve the underlying disagreement among those involved.

University Monitoring Situation

Jagannath University Proctor Prof Dr Azam Khan said Anik had filed a complaint with the university authorities. He stated that the administration was monitoring the matter.

Prof Dr Azam Khan said there were no reports of serious injuries from the clash. Some individuals may have sustained minor injuries, he added.

The absence of serious injuries does not lessen the need for a careful review. Any confrontation involving rods creates risks for students, staff members and other people in the surrounding area. University authorities will need to consider the complaint, identify those involved and assess whether outsiders were present, as alleged.

For students, the immediate concern is whether the dispute remains contained and whether normal academic activity can continue without disruption. Campus political organisations are a visible part of university life in Bangladesh, but internal disagreements can create wider concern when they lead to violence or intimidation.

Need for De-escalation

The situation now depends on whether the rival groups step back from further confrontation and allow the university to address the complaint. A transparent response can help establish the sequence of events, clarify the claims made by each side and reduce the possibility of retaliation.

University communities depend on spaces where students can take part in organisational activity, discussions and public programmes without fear of violence. Disagreements over events, criticism or leadership should be handled through dialogue and institutional procedures rather than through force.

Sunday’s clash has brought attention to divisions between the groups aligned with Shamsul Arefin and Nahian Bin Anik. With the administration monitoring the issue and a complaint already submitted, the next steps taken by the university will be closely watched by students and members of the campus community.