EDUCATION
Clashes at Chittagong University: 30 Injured as Locals Attack Students
Fresh clashes erupted at the University of Chittagong (CU) on Sunday, leaving at least 30 students injured after local residents launched an attack on campus. The university’s proctor and several students suffered serious head injuries, while the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, collapsed during the violence.
Eyewitnesses said the pro-VC, registrar, and members of law enforcement attempted to mediate between students and locals to ease tensions. However, locals refused to engage in dialogue. As the university officials were leaving, groups of locals armed with sticks and brickbats attacked, injuring students and administrators. Some students alleged that crude explosives were also detonated during the assault.
The violence follows a series of confrontations that began on Friday, when students clashed with locals. On Sunday morning, students closed the main gate and staged a protest at the Zero Point area, demanding justice against the attackers. Later, as students moved toward the site of Saturday night’s clashes, locals confronted them again, escalating the conflict.
The dispute reportedly stemmed from an incident in which a female CU student was physically assaulted by a building caretaker. Following this, tensions spiraled into violent confrontations on multiple occasions.
On Saturday night, clashes continued from 11:30 pm until 4:00 am, during which locals threw brickbats at students. At least 20 injured students were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Two members of the university’s proctorial body were also hurt. The army was deployed overnight to restore order.
In response to the worsening situation, Pro-VC Kamal Uddin announced the postponement of all examinations but confirmed that regular classes would continue. He also assured that shuttle train services for students would operate according to schedule.
Students have expressed anger and fear, demanding strict action against the attackers and increased security around the campus. Many described the incidents as an attack on their right to safety and education.
Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra Dal staged a protest at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday, condemning the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inqilab Manch. The demonstration began around 5:30 pm when protesters marched from the Central Shaheed Minar to the hospital, where Hadi is currently receiving treatment.
Chhatra Dal’s central president, Rakibul Islam Rakib, and secretary, Nasir Uddin Nasir, were present at the protest. The demonstrators chanted slogans demanding immediate arrest of those responsible, including “Why was Hadi shot? Interim answer now” and “Direct action.”
Earlier in the afternoon, armed assailants shot Hadi in the Bijoynagar culvert area. He was rescued and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Following the attack, additional police and security personnel were deployed around the hospital. Authorities are working to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the shooting
In Noakhali’s Hatiya upazila, the annual exams of more than four hundred students at Charkailash Government Primary School are being conducted by the headteacher alone, due to an ongoing work stoppage by assistant teachers. On 2 December, the assistant teachers were seen staying inside the office room while headteacher Monowara Hoque managed the examinations single-handedly.
Handling five classes at once has resulted in significant disorder during the exams. With no monitoring in several rooms, students were observed talking openly, copying from notebooks, and moving about freely. Concerned parents expressed frustration, saying that exam standards are being severely compromised and students’ academic futures are at risk.
Assistant teachers said they are observing the nationwide work stoppage to press for three demands, including 11th grade status and promotion. They warned of tougher programmes if their demands remain unmet.
Headteacher Monowara Hoque stated that while she respects the teachers’ movement, she is conducting the exams based on instructions from the DPEO, ADPEO and ATEO. She added that she is receiving support from former students to continue the examinations so that children do not fall behind.
Upazila Primary Education Officer Abdul Jabbar said that exams are being conducted in 79 out of Hatiya’s 227 schools. He added that further decisions regarding the remaining schools will be taken by the authorities.
The government has warned that secondary school teachers who suspended students’ examinations are in violation of civil service rules and will face disciplinary action. The caution came from Education Adviser Professor Dr C R Abrar during an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) on Monday.
Dr Abrar said the teachers’ decision to halt examinations amounts to a breach of the government’s code of conduct, adding that the authorities have taken a firm stance on the matter. He urged teachers to resume examinations immediately to ease pressure on students and their parents.
The adviser described the demand for upgrading teachers to the ninth grade as unjustified, saying they had joined service knowing they would remain in the tenth grade. He noted that the ninth grade is typically reserved for BCS administration cadre officers and involves inter-ministerial coordination, meaning teachers cannot be placed there unilaterally.
Dr Abrar further alleged that the teachers were “using students as instruments” by suspending examinations during their movement, which he termed unethical. He warned that failure to conduct exams from the next day would result in disciplinary action under civil service regulations.