Dhaka: At least 10 students were injured in a clash between two residential halls of Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Monday. The conflict arose over control of six shops reportedly located on the land of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall but managed by students of Bishwakabi Rabindranath Tagore Hall.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the altercation occurred at Rafique Jabbar Chattar around 3pm. Eyewitnesses reported that students from Rabindranath Tagore Hall gathered in front of the shops with sticks and bricks and chanted slogans. This led to a confrontation with students from Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, who approached to discuss the matter.
The situation escalated when a student from Rabindranath Tagore Hall allegedly grabbed a Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall student's collar, resulting in a clash that left at least 10 students injured. The injured received treatment at the university medical centre, with two students in serious condition being referred to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar.
Dr. Rizwanur Rahman, the deputy chief medical officer of the university, confirmed that 10 students sought treatment, with two being referred to a hospital due to serious injuries. The remaining students are receiving care at the university medical facility.
University sources revealed that since the construction of Nazrul Hall in 2023, its students have contested the control of the shops, which have been under Rabindranath Tagore Hall since 2017. The dispute has persisted for approximately nine months, with Nazrul Hall students demanding ownership of the shops.
Rakibul Islam, vice president of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, mentioned that they submitted memorandums to the administration twice, including a memorandum signed by 350 students on September 1, requesting a meeting. However, no action was taken, leading to the students deciding to stage a peaceful protest. He accused Rabindranath Tagore Hall students of provoking the situation by gathering with sticks and bricks.
Mahmudur Rahman Emon, general secretary of Rabindranath Tagore Hall Students' Union, stated that the shops' income supports various hall activities and that Nazrul Hall students have been claiming ownership for nearly a year. He mentioned that they informed the administration and requested discussions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue.
Prof Abdur Razzaq, provost of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, stated that discussions involving wardens, hall union representatives, and students are planned to resolve the issue. Prof Dr. Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, provost of Rabindranath Tagore Hall, confirmed ongoing discussions with students and the administration, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution despite the tension caused by the clash.
JU Proctor Prof Dr. Zakir Hossain expressed regret over the incident and committed to resolving the issue through dialogue with representatives from both halls.