Nilkhet Turns into Battlefield: Clash Between Dhaka University and 7 College Students

Staff Correspondent

A clash has erupted between students of Dhaka University and seven colleges as the latter attempted to lay siege to the residence of the Pro-Vice Chancellor. The incident began around midnight, with both sides engaging in chases, counter-chases, and brickbatting. As of the time of writing this report, police have fired at least 5-6 sound grenades to disperse the students.

On-site reports indicate that Dhaka University students have taken positions inside the Mukti and Ganatantra Toran, while students from the seven colleges are positioned towards Nilkhet. Both sides are armed with sticks, and intermittent chases and brick-throwing are ongoing.

Earlier, at around 6:30 PM, students from the seven colleges blocked the Science Lab and Technical intersections. Later, they also blocked the Tatibazar area in the capital. Around 11:00 PM, when the seven college students announced their intention to lift the Science Lab blockade and march towards the residence of Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, DU students had already taken positions at the main gate.

Students from the seven colleges alleged that when they went to meet Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, to discuss the progress of their 5-point demands, he behaved rudely with them. In response, they immediately blocked the Science Lab intersection. At one point, the protesters gave the DU Vice-Chancellor a one-hour ultimatum to apologize to the students. When no response was received, they announced a program to besiege the Pro-Vice Chancellor’s residence around 10:30 PM.

Earlier, from 6:00 PM, students from the seven colleges occupied the Science Lab intersection, chanting slogans against Dr. Yunus’s government, such as “Yunus, you are a dictator, step down now.” After gathering enough fellow students, they marched towards the Pro-Vice Chancellor’s residence from both sides.