On October 24, 2024, members of Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal (JCD) – the student wing of the Bangladesh National Party – clashed with other students at Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), injuring several students.

The clash broke out after students tore down a banner that JCD activists had hung welcoming candidates for admissions tests. The clashes injured between six to 10 people, including SAU’s proctor. The clash sparked protests by students, who held the SAU administration responsible for the incident and demanded accountability and increased security on campus.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violent attacks by students against other students. Scholars at Risk calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid violence. State authorities have the right and obligation to maintain order, which they must with due regard for the rights of protesters and others, including the rights to free expression, academic freedom, peaceful assembly, and due process.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/363498/sau-students-lock-administrative-building
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/sau-students-make-8-point-demand-including-resignation-registrar-proctor-3737916
https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/sylhet-agricultural-university-deadlock-ends-with-meeting-between-students-and-vcv/145918