18 students injured in DUET clash, 12 in critical condition: Medical Officer

At least 18 students have been injured, with 12 in critical condition, following a violent clash over the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor at the Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur. Dr. Rabeya Nasrin Akon, a medical officer at the DUET Medical Centre, confirmed the casualties to reporters.

Detailing the medical situation, Dr. Akon stated that a total of 18 individuals sought treatment at the medical center following the campus unrest. Out of the 12 critically injured students, three have already been referred to advanced medical facilities for specialized care, while another student whose condition remains unstable might also need to be transferred soon.

She noted that a majority of the victims sustained severe head injuries, along with trauma to their eyes and other parts of their bodies, adding that four individuals suffered CPR-related trauma. The remaining injured students are currently under observation and are reported to be in relatively stable condition.

The violence erupted at around 10:00 AM on Sunday (May 17) at the main entrance of the university, escalating into repeated chases, counter-chases, and heavy brick-batting between the opposing sides.

The tension originated on Thursday (May 14) after the government issued a notification appointing Professor Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Hossain from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) as the new Vice-Chancellor of DUET. Following the announcement, a section of students launched an immediate protest that very night, locking down the university gates. As a continuation of their demonstration, the protesting students were observing a symbolic "red card" program at the main gate on Sunday morning.

The demonstrating students alleged that a group of outsiders launched a sudden assault on their peaceful gathering, injuring at least 10 to 12 students initially. As the confrontation escalated into a full-scale clash between the two factions, law enforcement authorities deployed tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, turning the entire DUET campus area into a battlefield. Additional police forces were subsequently deployed to bring the situation under control.

The protestors maintained that appointing an "outsider" as the Vice-Chancellor could compromise the university's unique institutional identity and hamper long-term academic planning. They have been demanding that the next Vice-Chancellor be chosen from among the senior and qualified professors within DUET itself.