Internal Chhatra Dal Conflict Sparks Clashes and Vandalism at GSTU

Multiple incidents of clashes and vandalism at Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU) have exposed deep-seated tensions within the university’s Chhatra Dal unit. The conflict erupted during the cultural program of the 2019-20 academic year’s closing ceremony, ‘Nabaneetak9,’ over a dispute regarding seating arrangements, leading to physical altercations between two groups of students. Subsequently, supporters of the president and general secretary of GSTU’s Chhatra Dal unit engaged in repeated clashes, resulting in widespread vandalism across various locations.

Several Chhatra Dal leaders have accused each other of instigating the clashes. The GSTU administration has vowed to take strict action. Sources reported that on Thursday (July 31) around 1:00 AM, a dispute over seating at the cultural event led to a physical confrontation between students from the Political Science Department, including joint general secretary Shafiq, a supporter of the Chhatra Dal general secretary’s group, and students from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) Department.

The GSTU administration promptly intervened, resolving the issue and removing the involved students from the venue, directing them toward Bijoy Dibosh Hall. However, when supporters of the general secretary’s group, including Political Science students, entered Bijoy Dibosh Hall, they were attacked with sticks by EEE students led by Chhatra Dal’s organizational secretary Toki Yasir and vice-president Rahim Ullah Badsha, supporters of the president’s group. During this altercation, windows of the hall were vandalized.

Supporters of the general secretary’s group, including joint general secretary Shafiq, vice-president Anowar, publicity secretary Nahidur Rahman Sakib, activist Bayezid, History Department student Sabuj, 2019-20 batch student Nahid, and Political Science students Toni and Sohel Rana, chased supporters of the president’s group to Sheikh Russel Hall. Upon entering the hall, they faced attacks with flower pots and benches thrown from upper floors, prompting them to retaliate by vandalizing glass in various rooms of Sheikh Russel Hall. Later, supporters of the president’s group threw belongings of the general secretary’s group out of their rooms in Sheikh Russel Hall.

Late at night, allegations emerged that Chhatra Dal’s vice-president Sabuj, joint general secretary Zakaria Mahmud Shiplu, and assistant publicity secretary Safiul Islam Shamim led an attack on the Political Science Department. Sources confirmed that CCTV footage captured these events.

Commenting on the attack at Sheikh Russel Hall, Chhatra Dal’s joint general secretary Shafiq said, “When we ran from the academic building to Bijoy Dibosh Hall, the EEE Department’s Chhatra Dal organizational secretary Toki, vice-president Badsha, and others attacked us. Angered, we chased them back. They entered various rooms in Sheikh Russel Hall. When we went to investigate, benches and flower pots were thrown from the fifth floor, injuring many of us. We had no intention of vandalism, but it happened unintentionally.”

Regarding the vandalism in the Political Science Department, Chhatra Dal’s vice-president Sabuj said, “When Political Science students attacked Sheikh Russel Hall, the students residing there became furious and went to the department. As a responsible political activist, I went there to control the situation. When I saw things escalating, I left. CCTV footage will clearly show that I was not involved in the vandalism. My name has been falsely spread on Facebook with malicious intent.”

Multiple attempts to contact Toki Yasir, the office secretary and a supporter of the president’s group, regarding the attack on Bijoy Dibosh Hall were unsuccessful. Rahim Ullah Badsha, another supporter of the president’s group, said, “I will explain everything in person. I don’t want to discuss it over the phone.” Addressing allegations of biting Shafiq’s neck, he added, “Several of them surrounded and beat me. I was only trying to defend myself. The CCTV footage will show how I was attacked.”

When asked about actions to be taken, GSTU Proctor Associate Professor Dr. Arifuzzaman Rajib said, “The hall administration has been tasked with identifying those involved in such activities, and the administration will ensure the maximum punishment possible. The GSTU administration will hold a meeting and take action within three working days. With CCTV footage and eyewitnesses available, identifying the culprits is not difficult. Through investigation, those involved will face strict punishment, as per the Vice-Chancellor’s directive.”