DU Student Pavel Allegedly Beaten in Five Stages by Jatiya Chhatra Shakti Members

A Dhaka University student, Pavel—allegedly affiliated with the banned Chhatra League—was reportedly detained and beaten in several stages by members of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti late Sunday night (8 March) on the BUET campus. He was later handed over to Shahbagh Police Station, where police sent him to hospital for initial treatment.

Pavel is a student of the 2020–21 session in the Department of Philosophy at Dhaka University. He faces allegations of affiliation with the banned Chhatra League and promoting its activities on social media.

According to accounts circulating on social media and eyewitness claims, Pavel was beaten at least five times during the incident:

1. First at BUET’s Nazrul Hall cafeteria while having Sehri (pre-dawn meal during Ramadan).
2. Again at the BUET gate.
3. Then taken by motorcycle to the DU Vice-Chancellor’s area for another round.
4. Next at the Raju Sculpture area.
5. Finally in front of Shahbagh Police Station.

Witnesses claim he was assaulted with fists, kicks, and a motorcycle chain and lock. His finger was reportedly crushed, and he sustained injuries to his legs, making it difficult to walk. Most blows were allegedly directed at his eyes.

It is further alleged that his mobile phone, wallet, and motorcycle key were snatched during the assault. After the beating, he was left under a tree inside Shahbagh Police Station in serious condition as the attackers left the scene.

A journalist attempting to cover the incident reportedly faced harassment from Jatiya Chhatra Shakti General Secretary Saifullah.

Shahbagh Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Kamal confirmed to The Daily Campus that students brought Pavel to the station. Police sent him to hospital for primary treatment, and he was later brought back to the station. No decision has been taken yet on whether to arrest him or file a case. “The OC is not here at the moment. We will decide after speaking with him,” he added.

DU Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed told The Daily Campus: “I have not spoken to the police yet. I know about the matter. The police will handle it. If he is an accused in a case or has committed an offence, action will be taken according to existing laws.”

In a Facebook post, DU unit General Secretary Saifullah of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti wrote: “Caught Chhatra League activist on campus. Taking him to Shahbagh Police Station. No leniency on Chhatra League issues.”

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on campus and social media, with questions raised about the nature of the allegations, the method of detention, and the involvement of student organizations.