Violent clashes broke out at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) on Tuesday (18 February) as supporters of Chhatra Dal and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement engaged in repeated confrontations over demands to prohibit student politics.
The skirmishes left over 100 individuals injured, including bystanders, prompting joint security forces to intervene and detain at least five individuals.
In response, student demonstrators from both groups staged protests across major university campuses, including Dhaka University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
The unrest began in the morning when Chhatra Dal activists conducted a campus-wide campaign, triggering a counter-protest by a faction of students who vociferously chanted slogans against student politics.
Tensions escalated near the central mosque, culminating in a violent chase between rival factions. The situation further deteriorated when BNP activists from Railgate and Teligati joined Chhatra Dal, while members of Chhatra Shibir and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement reinforced the protesters, leading to widespread chaos.
A spokesperson for KUET’s Chhatra Dal alleged that their activities were disrupted by a faction comprising Chhatra Shibir members and individuals loyal to the now-deposed government’s student wing.
He claimed this interference instigated the clashes. However, Khulna Metropolitan Chhatra Shibir President Arafat Hossain Milon refuted these claims, asserting that Chhatra Dal and BNP affiliates attacked general students, leaving many injured. He denounced the violence and demanded accountability for the perpetrators.
The central organiser of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Abdul Hannan Masud, took to Facebook to decry the clashes, likening Chhatra Dal’s actions to those of the now-disbanded Chhatra League, branding them as politically self-destructive.
Jatiya Nagorik Committee Organiser Sarjis Alam also warned in a social media post that KUET’s turmoil could have grave consequences, cautioning against repeating the excesses of Chhatra League.
Following the clashes, the Khulna district chapter of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement staged demonstrations last night, issuing a five-point demand, including an absolute ban on student politics at KUET, punishment for attackers, and the resignation of the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, and director of student welfare.
Protesters have given authorities until 1pm on Wednesday (19 February) to meet their demands, vowing to halt all classes and examinations if their conditions remain unaddressed.
The KUET incident ignited a ripple effect nationwide, sparking counter-protests at Dhaka University, BUET, Jagannath University, Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, and several other institutions.
At Dhaka University, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activists held a protest at Raju Memorial Sculpture, later marching to the vice-chancellor’s office before returning for a rally.
During the gathering, student leader Hasnat Abdullah warned Chhatra Dal against repeating the oppressive practices of the past, urging them to uphold the dignity of student activism rather than descending into factional politics.
Former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Abdul Kader, asserted that post-July Bangladesh would not tolerate any form of political occupation, stressing that while student politics is necessary, it must address student concerns rather than impose ideological dominance.
Another senior activist, Abu Bakar Majumdar, criticised Chhatra Dal’s protest at Dhaka University, dismissing it as theatrics and calling upon the interim government to take firm action against those responsible for the KUET violence.
At Chittagong University, verbal altercations erupted between Chhatra Dal and activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Inquilab Mancha during separate demonstrations at the Zero Point area.
The groups engaged in heated exchanges, branding each other as fraudulent. The confrontation, which took place around 9:30pm, highlighted the growing divisions within student activism in the post-Hasina era.
As tensions continue to escalate, all eyes remain on KUET authorities and the broader student movements, with the fate of student politics in Bangladesh hanging in the balance.
