Taunts to Turmoil: Dhaka, City, and Ideal Students Erupt in Violent Feuds

Dhaka College, Dhaka City College, and Ideal College—these three colleges are located in the Science Lab and New Market areas, known as the commercial hub of the capital. For several years, trivial incidents like sledging, verbal spats, or taunts have been sparking major clashes among students of these colleges, as if “the moment the betel leaf loses its lime,” conflicts erupt. These incidents not only result in injuries to students but also cause significant public inconvenience in the capital. Vehicles caught in the clashes are often vandalized.

The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday (21 November), when a three-hour clash took place between students of Dhaka College and City College. Over a hundred teachers, students, and law enforcement personnel were injured. Following this, Dhaka College was closed for one day, and City College for three days.

The cause of this clash, as reported, was that after Dhaka College’s 184th anniversary event, students left in buses. When three buses reached the Science Lab intersection, City College students stopped them and assaulted several students. The exact reason for this incident remains unclear. Subsequently, clashes erupted at the Science Lab intersection.

It is known that clashes among students of these colleges have become almost routine. The Science Lab and New Market areas are turning into an unknown battleground. This two-way or three-way destructive conflict sometimes involves City College and Dhaka College, sometimes Ideal College and Dhaka College, and sometimes City College and Ideal College, with violence spreading among their students. These violent situations frequently lead to the suspension of academic activities at the colleges.

These fights often originate from trivial issues—disputes at coaching centers, verbal exchanges, or minor quarrels during sports. No clear political motives are evident in these incidents. Instead, small issues like misunderstandings, neglect, or arrogance become the spark, gradually fueling an invisible divide that quickly escalates into major clashes.

No one could pinpoint the origin of the rivalry among the three colleges. However, according to those involved, students have been conditioned to believe they must engage in fights and win to prove their supremacy. Current students are inheriting this mindset from their seniors.

Mainly, students in classes XI and XII, most of whom are under 18, are involved in these clashes. Despite repeated conflicts, neither college authorities nor the police take strict action, remaining largely silent. As a result, such incidents have occurred multiple times over the years.

On 25 January this year, multiple clashes occurred between Dhaka College and Dhaka City College students, during which buses and a laguna were vandalized. No reports of serious injuries were recorded. It is known that City College students assaulted a Dhaka College student alone in front of their campus and detained him. When this news spread to Dhaka College, students marched toward City College, leading to several rounds of clashes in front of City College, the Science Lab area, and Dhaka College’s front road. During this, students vandalized a laguna and a bus.

On 10 September, a clash occurred in the Science Lab area between Dhaka College and Dhanmondi Ideal College students, injuring at least 18 people, mostly from Dhaka College. It is reported that as Dhaka College students left their fresher’s reception and reached Naim’s alley gate near Vijay Chattar, Ideal College students threw bricks and stones at them, causing several head injuries.

They alleged that Ideal College students entered Dhaka College’s campus and attacked them. They claimed that earlier that morning, some Ideal College students were assaulted by unknown individuals, leading them to believe Dhaka College students were responsible. Based on this assumption, they attacked Dhaka College’s campus. As the news spread, clashes erupted between the two colleges, with multiple chases and counter-chases, injuring several students. At one point, Dhaka College students removed Ideal College’s signboard.

Last February, a clash occurred between City College and Dhanmondi Ideal College students over being called “chickens.” The clash injured four people, including a Notre Dame College student. Police detained nine students from both colleges. It is reported that City College students shouted at Ideal College’s gate, “You’re chickens, come out if you dare,” sparking the clash.

In March, a clash occurred between Dhaka College and Ideal College students, with City College students also joining in. This incident halted traffic in the Science Lab and Green Road areas for nearly three hours.

Omar Faruk, a graduate student from Dhaka College, told The Daily Campus that these clashes occur without prior enmity. It’s a mindset instilled in students. Counseling arrangements for students could help reduce this.

Shahinur Rahman, a City College student, told The Daily Campus that such clashes stem from a lack of mutual tolerance and respect among students. They usually arise from minor, individual-centered incidents, driven by a desire to dominate one another.

City College’s acting principal, Kazi Neyamul Haque, told The Daily Campus that their students have realized their mistake. Through army mediation, they’ve pledged not to repeat such errors. If any issues arise, both sides will inform teachers. A committee involving seven colleges has been formed where students can report grievances.

Dhaka College’s principal, Professor AKM Elias, told The Daily Campus that they’ve formed a mobile team to ensure safety and prevent violence during breaks and before classes. This team includes police and army personnel, who will perform their duties vigilantly. Students have also assured us they won’t cause such incidents again.