At Dhaka University (DU) on June 1, 2021, individuals alleged to be members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling political party, attacked members of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

To commemorate the anniversary of the death of Ziaur Rahman, the BNP founder, JCD members reportedly prepared to distribute educational materials and food at DU, when they were attacked and physically beaten by a group of BCL members. At least 20 students were reportedly injured, including a student journalist who was covering the incident. Six of the students were reportedly hospitalized for their injuries.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about a violent and apparently targeted attack on an on-campus event. State and university authorities should take reasonable steps to respond to and prevent such attacks, including by investigating and holding perpetrators accountable. In addition to the harm to the immediate victims, violent attacks on students undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).
https://www.thedailystar.net/politics/news/jcd-activists-claim-they-were-attacked-bcl-members-du-campus-2102937
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2021/06/01/chhatra-dal-comes-under-chhatra-league-attack-at-du