Three injured as two Chhatra Dal factions clash at JnU concert

At least three students were injured when two factions of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Jagannath University (JnU) unit clashed on the campus during a concert last night.

The clash took place between followers of JnU Chhatra Dal joint conveners Suman Sardar and Mostafizur Rahman Rumi in the Kathaltala area in front of the university's Social Science building, eyewitnesses said.

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The injured were identified as Tanzil Ahmed Mithil, a student of the mathematics department from the 2021-22 academic session; Rabiul Islam Shaon, a 12th-batch student of the chemistry department; and Moniruzzaman Monir, a 16th-batch student.

All three were taken to Dhaka National Medical Institute Hospital, said Dr Kamal Hossain, a physician at the hospital's emergency department.

Two suffered head injuries, he said, adding that one of them was shifted to the surgery department.

According to students present at the scene, the clash began during a concert organised to welcome freshers when an altercation and shoving match broke out between activists of the two factions. The dispute later escalated into a violent clash.

The proctor, Prof Dr Azam Khan, said the university authorities had heard about the incident but could not confirm details.

"Perhaps this happened among junior students over seating arrangements at the concert," he said. "We cannot say for sure whether anyone was injured because no one has lodged a complaint with us. If a written complaint is filed, we will take necessary action."

Contacted, Chhatra Dal leader Rumi said the incident occurred due to a lack of familiarity between seniors and juniors of the organisation. "However, we immediately reached the spot and resolved the matter," he said.

Suman Sardar also said the issue had been settled.

"A scuffle took place due to a misunderstanding between seniors and juniors. We have settled it," he said.

JnU Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel and Member Secretary Shamsul Arefin could not be reached for comment despite repeated calls.