Friday, 31 January, 2025
Four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed to prevent further escalation of violence following clashes between Dhaka University students and students from its affiliated seven colleges.
A message received shortly after midnight on Sunday stated, "Students from Dhaka University and its seven affiliated colleges are engaged in a standoff at Nilkhet intersection. To ensure public safety, four BGB platoons, along with police support, have been deployed."
The unrest began when students from the seven colleges staged protests on Sunday evening, which later escalated as they moved towards the Dhaka University area. Students of seven colleges blocked Shahbagh, Science Laboratory, and Technical intersections to press home a five-point charter of demand.
They said they had gone to meet DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Mamun Ahmed to present some demands, but he insulted them. In protest, they took to the streets.
Abdur Rahman, a Dhaka College student and the focal person for the movement to transform the seven colleges into a university, said: “The pro-vice-chancellor must apologise to the students of the seven colleges. If he comes and apologises now, we will clear the roads.”
Later, around 11:15 pm, the protesters started marching towards the university campus following a blockade at the capital’s Science Laboratory intersection.
When the protesting students reached the university, the students of Dhaka College joined them. They massed outside the university’s Mukti O Gonotontro Toron after marching through the capital’s Nilkhet intersection.
At one point, the protesting students announced they were heading toward the residence of Dhaka University’s pro-vice chancellor. Brandishing sticks, they demanded an apology from Prof. Mamun Ahmed for his earlier remarks.
Meanwhile, in response to the protests, Dhaka University students from residential halls, also armed with sticks, gathered outside Sir AF Rahman Hall.
The situation escalated when the two groups confronted each other on Sunday night, and clashes erupted, with students throwing brickbats. Eventually, Dhaka University students chased the protesters from the seven colleges toward New Market's Gate No. 4, sparking a running battle between the two groups.
In an attempt to restore order, police used stun grenades to break up the confrontation.
Tensions remained high in the university’s Mukti O Gonotontro Toron area and Nilkhet intersection, continuing until around 1:30 a.m. on Monday.
DU CLASSES AND EXAMS POSTPONED
In response to the ongoing unrest, Dhaka University announced the suspension of all classes and examinations scheduled for Monday.
A statement from spokesperson Md Rafiqul Islam read, "The clashes persisted until 2 a.m., creating a tense environment in the area. As a result, classes and examinations for Monday have been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances."
DU PRO-VC CALLS FOR CALM
Speaking from his residence at Dhaka University around midnight, Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun called for patience from all parties involved.
“It is unfortunate that the discussion with the seven college students in my office earlier today led to the unexpected events that unfolded tonight. I am deeply saddened by the situation,” he said.
“I believe this misunderstanding will be resolved through mutual dialogue in a peaceful setting. I sincerely urge everyone to remain calm and work toward defusing the tension between Dhaka University and the seven colleges.”
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Four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed to prevent further escalation of violence following clashes between Dhaka University students and students from its affiliated seven colleges.
A message received shortly after midnight on Sunday stated, "Students from Dhaka University and its seven affiliated colleges are engaged in a standoff at Nilkhet intersection. To ensure public safety, four BGB platoons, along with police support, have been deployed."
The unrest began when students from the seven colleges staged protests on Sunday evening, which later escalated as they moved towards the Dhaka University area. Students of seven colleges blocked Shahbagh, Science Laboratory, and Technical intersections to press home a five-point charter of demand.
They said they had gone to meet DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Mamun Ahmed to present some demands, but he insulted them. In protest, they took to the streets.
Abdur Rahman, a Dhaka College student and the focal person for the movement to transform the seven colleges into a university, said: “The pro-vice-chancellor must apologise to the students of the seven colleges. If he comes and apologises now, we will clear the roads.”
Later, around 11:15 pm, the protesters started marching towards the university campus following a blockade at the capital’s Science Laboratory intersection.
When the protesting students reached the university, the students of Dhaka College joined them. They massed outside the university’s Mukti O Gonotontro Toron after marching through the capital’s Nilkhet intersection.
At one point, the protesting students announced they were heading toward the residence of Dhaka University’s pro-vice chancellor. Brandishing sticks, they demanded an apology from Prof. Mamun Ahmed for his earlier remarks.
Meanwhile, in response to the protests, Dhaka University students from residential halls, also armed with sticks, gathered outside Sir AF Rahman Hall.
The situation escalated when the two groups confronted each other on Sunday night, and clashes erupted, with students throwing brickbats. Eventually, Dhaka University students chased the protesters from the seven colleges toward New Market's Gate No. 4, sparking a running battle between the two groups.
In an attempt to restore order, police used stun grenades to break up the confrontation.
Tensions remained high in the university’s Mukti O Gonotontro Toron area and Nilkhet intersection, continuing until around 1:30 a.m. on Monday.
DU CLASSES AND EXAMS POSTPONED
In response to the ongoing unrest, Dhaka University announced the suspension of all classes and examinations scheduled for Monday.
A statement from spokesperson Md Rafiqul Islam read, "The clashes persisted until 2 a.m., creating a tense environment in the area. As a result, classes and examinations for Monday have been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances."
DU PRO-VC CALLS FOR CALM
Speaking from his residence at Dhaka University around midnight, Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun called for patience from all parties involved.
“It is unfortunate that the discussion with the seven college students in my office earlier today led to the unexpected events that unfolded tonight. I am deeply saddened by the situation,” he said.
“I believe this misunderstanding will be resolved through mutual dialogue in a peaceful setting. I sincerely urge everyone to remain calm and work toward defusing the tension between Dhaka University and the seven colleges.”
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