A clash erupted between leaders and activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Tuesday at the organisation’s central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor, leaving at least seven people injured.

Md. Faruk, the inspector in charge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital Police Camp, reported that seven injured individuals, including a female student, were admitted to the emergency department following the violence.

The injured are: Anta Mim, 20, a first-year undergraduate student of Kabi Nazrul Government College; Rabeya, 19, of Dania College; Ashraf Uddin Babu, 19, of Tejgaon College; Imran Hossain, 22, of East-West University; and Maqsudur Rahman, 24, Al Amin, 22, and Md Hasib, 20, students of diploma courses at various educational institutions.

The confrontation stemmed from tensions over the assault of an activist in Dhaka’s Demra the previous day, which escalated into a physical altercation at the central office.

The members of the organisation from Demra have accused them of assault.

Imran, identified by a single name, described the incident to reporters at the hospital. “A fellow activist was beaten up at Demra in front of the coordinators on Monday.

"On Tuesday, we were called to the central office in Banglamotor for a settlement.

“As soon as we arrived, eight to 10 people, led by Naeem, a member of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, attacked us," he said.

In a statement, the organisation said legal action would be taken against the culprits following an investigation.

It also claimed that none of the individuals involved in the incident were affiliated with the organisation.

After the fight, the organisation's convener Hasnat Abdullah went to the central office, where a group of “aggrieved” students surrounded him.

The angry students said they were to stage a human-chain demonstration outside the central office following the fight in Demra on Monday.

However, they said, they had been prevented from doing so, and later beaten up.

According to them, Rifat Rashid, a coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, was present at the time of the incident.

However, Rifat did not respond to multiple calls for comments.

Later, Zahid Ahsan, in charge of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement office cell, said in a media statement: "One of the executive committee members was injured in the incident."

"Some misguided individuals arrived at the central office in Banglamotor and began shouting unpleasant slogans.

“At one point, they forcibly shut the office gate, causing panic among those in charge of maintaining the office."

“Realising the gravity of the situation, central executive committee members Rifat, Ahnaf Sayeed Khan, Naeem Abedin and Asad Bin Rony went there to calm the situation and listen to the demands of the people.

“But instead of cooperating, they also attacked the executive members, injuring Naeem.

“Later, when other leaders and activists arrived, the instigators were forced to leave.”

Describing the organisation's stance on the matter, it said: "The Anti-discrimination Student Movement promotes beauty and harmony as an alternative to violence.

“It believes that all organisational issues can be resolved through dialogue, and the movement will not sympathise with those who resort to violence."

Emphasising the organisation's dedication to shaping a new political settlement following the mass uprising, the statement declared: "Solidarity and harmony will replace violence in the new political settlement."

A committee has been formed to investigate the incident, consisting of responsible individuals from Dhaka city and executive members who were present during the incident.

The statement added the committee has begun work.

“THEY WANT TO BE THE NEXT CHHATRA LEAGUE”

After the fight, a group called an emergency press conference at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Tanjim Mohammad Sourav Reza, a student at a private university, said: “The Anti-discrimination Student Movement’s activities suggest they want to become the next Chhatra League.”

"On Monday night, while returning from the organisation’s meeting, our bus was stopped and attacked.

"Several people were injured in the incident. It was later revealed that Ashikur Rahman Hridoy was behind the attack."

Sourav said they went to the organisation’s central office on Tuesday to demand action against those responsible for the incident.

At the office, central executive member Naeem asked them to leave. Simultaneously, when Rifat gave the orders, activists of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement launched an attack.