Clash in front of DU hall over footpath shop row, Chatra Dal activists in the background

A clash erupted between Dhaka University (DU) and Dhaka College students late Sunday night. The incident began around 1:00am in front of Shah Nawaz Hall extension and ended around 3:00am.

Several cocktail explosions were heard during the brawl, with both sides hurling bricks and stones, and chasing each other with sticks. At least a few students, including journalists, were injured.

Dhaka College sources and eyewitnesses said the row started when a group from Dhaka College's English Department (2021-22 session) and Chatra Dal activist Shahin Mridha tried to set up a food cart (mobile shop) on the footpath near Shah Nawaz Hall's main gate Saturday evening.

DU students from Shah Nawaz Hall protested, leading to a verbal spat. Shahin informed Chatra Dal members, including Secretary Millad Hossain and Convener Committee member Sheikh Mosarraf Parvez (suspended for extortion).

Around 12:30am, Shahin and others rallied at Dhaka College hostel, claiming DU students had beaten and detained a Dhaka College student. About 60-70 Dhaka College students then marched to Shah Nawaz Hall, sparking the clash.

Ashraful Hafiz, mouthpiece of Bangladesh Ganotantrik Chhatra Sangsad Dhaka College branch, suffered a severe head injury from a brick and was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Law enforcers from Dhaka Metropolitan Police's (DMP) New Market Zone took position midway in the Nilkhet area. They dispersed both groups to control the situation.

DUCSU Joint Vice-President Sadik Kayem and other student leaders arrived to de-escalate, while additional police were deployed.

An anonymous Dhaka College student told The Daily Campus, “Chatra Dal and branch leaders mobilized students. They led the group to Shah Nawaz Hall.”

DU student Imran Mia said, “I heard Dhaka College students wanted to set up a shop on the footpath in front of Shah Nawaz Hall extension. When Fine Arts students objected, a fight broke out. Dhaka College students threw cocktails and bricks, trapping Shah Nawaz residents.”

Habibullah Habib, GS of Sir AF Rahman Hall, said, “Our DU (Shah Nawaz Hall) students were attacked. They stayed calm. I and DUCSU leaders urged restraint, and they retreated inside. As police tried to intervene, they pelted glass bottles. Several of ours and journalists were injured.”

Miftajud Islam Adil from Sir AF Rahman Hall said, “Dhaka College students tried to set up a shop after removing one. When Shah Nawaz students protested, a scuffle ensued.”

Calls to Chatra Dal activist Shahin Mridha went unanswered on phone and WhatsApp. Secretary Millad Hossain also did not respond.

Former Convener Committee member Sheikh Mosarraf Parvez said, “I don't know the trigger. I arrived mid-incident and tried to stop it. I know nothing about Shahin or who beat whom.”

DMP New Market Zone Additional Commissioner Mohammad Jahangir told media late Sunday, “The row started over setting up a shop on the footpath in front of Shah Nawaz Hall. It escalated into a chase between DU and Dhaka College students. Law enforcers dispersed both sides. Adequate police have been deployed. We'll investigate what exactly happened. Legal action will follow if needed. No confirmed casualties, but several injured were hospitalized.”

Assistant Provost (routine duty) Muhammad Mahbub Kaiser said, “I heard about it this morning. I was unwell and went to bed early last night, so couldn't check then.”