On September 27, 2022, alleged members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), a student group affiliated with the country’s ruling party, attacked members of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), a student group affiliated with the BNP political party, on the University of Dhaka’s (DU) campus.
One day prior to the incident, JCD announced that it was planning to meet with DU’s vice-chancellor Md Akhtaruzzaman, reportedly provoking the opposition of the campus BCL chapter. Approximately 30 JCD members were on their way to meet the vice-chancellor when they were reportedly intercepted by BCL members armed with makeshift weapons. The BCL members beat the JCD members and chanted anti-Chhatra Dal slogans. At least three students affiliated with JCD were hospitalized for injuries sustained during the attack.
According to reports, BCL’s DU general secretary Saddam Hossain denied BCL’s involvement in the attack.
Scholars at Risk is concerned by students on other students for their affiliation with another student group. Students must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. In addition to harm to the immediate victims, violent attacks on campus 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.dhakatribune.com/dhaka/2022/09/27/clash-erupts-between-chhatra-league-and-chhatra-dal-at-du
https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/city/iln3sj8by4
https://www.newagebd.net/article/182293/a-worrying-tale-of-chhatra-league-attack-on-chhatra-dal