Begum Rokeya University Seeks Section 144 After Chhatra Dal-Shibir Clash

The Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) administration has formally applied to the district administration to impose Section 144 on campus to avert further untoward incidents following a violent clash between activists of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).

Concurrently, the university has banned the entry of external guests, visitors, motorcycles, and other vehicles onto the campus until further notice. However, the administration clarified that all pre-scheduled academic activities, including classes and examinations, will continue without interruption.

These decisions were communicated through two separate official notices signed by the university proctor on Tuesday (August 4).

Escalating Tensions and Administrative Appeal

According to the official letter submitted to the district administration, a severe clash between Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal activists on August 3 left five students critically injured. A total of approximately 20 students sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Tensions threatened to escalate further on Tuesday after both the Rangpur Metropolitan Chhatra Shibir and the Rangpur Metropolitan Chhatra Dal announced separate protest marches and rallies at the same location near the university's main gate. Fearing a severe deterioration of law and order, the university authorities urgently requested the district administration to enforce Section 144 and implement necessary security measures to maintain peace on campus.

Vehicle Ban and Academic Continuity

A separate notice issued by the proctor formalized the immediate ban on external visitors and unauthorized vehicles on the university premises. The administration emphasized that this restriction is strictly for security purposes and will not apply to regular academic operations, ensuring that students can attend classes and exams as per their designated schedules.

The initial conflict broke out on Monday (August 3) over a disputed banner displayed during a day-long exhibition. The event was organized by the BRUR unit of Chhatra Shibir to commemorate the second anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. The disagreement rapidly escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in multiple casualties from both student organizations.