Clash Over Anti-Discrimination at Comilla University, Police Chief Denied Entry

Comilla University Correspondent

A disagreement between two factions of an anti-discrimination movement at Comilla University escalated into physical altercations during a cultural event and communal meal, leading to the district’s police superintendent (SP) being denied entry to the campus.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Friday, December 6, when SP Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan arrived at the university but was turned away amidst tensions between the groups.

According to sources, a faction of the anti-discrimination movement opposed the event, titled `Anti-Indian Aggression Cultural Evening and Communal Meal’. They argued that organizing such an event was insensitive, as several injured protesters were still hospitalized. Despite criticism, the university administration initially prohibited all events on campus but later allowed the communal meal to proceed after discussions with the proctor.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., one group held a press conference opposing the event. Shortly after, the SP’s car arrived at the university, but the opposing faction blocked his entry. An attempt by Sakib Hossain, the event coordinator and district convener of the anti-discrimination movement, to escort the SP into the campus resulted in a heated altercation. The situation escalated to physical clashes, forcing the SP to leave after waiting briefly at the main gate.

Sakib Hossain explained to reporters, “We invited the SP for tea as he recently joined his post in Comilla. Although he was supposed to come in the afternoon, he arrived in the evening due to other commitments.”

Hannan Rahim, a leader from the opposing faction, criticized the event, stating, “While injured protesters are still suffering in hospitals, organizing a meal and cultural performances is a mockery. Students couldn’t accept the SP’s presence at such an insensitive event.”

SP Nazir Ahmed said, “As the newly appointed SP of Comilla, I intended to meet the anti-discrimination students as a courtesy while returning from another engagement. However, the situation was unexpected.”

University proctor Dr. Md. Abdul Hakim remarked, “The administration was not informed of the SP’s visit or the obstruction he faced at the gate.”