Locals Attack CU Students Again, 30 Injured Including Pro-VC and Proctor
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, local residents launched another violent attack on Chittagong University (CU) students, injuring at least 30, including Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin and Proctor Mohammad Tanvir Haider Arif. The Pro-VC fell ill after being chased by locals while attempting to mediate a tense standoff between students and residents. Security forces rescued him and other victims amid the escalating violence.
Eyewitnesses reported that Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin, alongside the Registrar and law enforcement personnel, tried to resolve the conflict through dialogue with students and locals. Despite the presence of security forces, locals refused to negotiate, leading to chases and counter-chases. As the situation spiraled, locals armed with sticks, bricks, and stones attacked, with students alleging that cocktails were detonated. During the chaos, the Pro-VC became unwell after being chased, and security forces evacuated him for medical treatment. Proctor Mohammad Tanvir Haider Arif was also injured, and many students, some with severe head injuries, were rescued in a bloodied state. The injured were rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for treatment.
The university administration and law enforcement are actively working to calm tensions. The unrest follows a violent clash on Friday, which led students to close the main gate and stage protests at the Zero Point area from Sunday morning, demanding justice for those involved in the earlier attack. When students marched to the site of Saturday night’s clash near the campus, locals advanced with sticks and batons, heightening the confrontation. The conflict stems from an alleged assault on a female Philosophy Department student by a building watchman, which sparked the initial violence.
Following the clash, Professor Dr. Md. Kamal Uddin announced the suspension of all university examinations on Sunday, though classes will continue. He assured that the shuttle train, essential for student commuting, will operate on its regular schedule.
On Saturday night, multiple rounds of chases, counter-chases, and brick-throwing injured many students, with at least 20 requiring treatment at CMCH. Two faculty members from the proctorial body were also injured. The attacks by locals continued from 11:30 PM Saturday to 4:30 AM Sunday, prompting the deployment of the army to restore order.
