Noakhali University shut after BCL clash

Noakhali University of Science and Technology has been closed till June 9 after at least 15 students were injured yesterday in clashes between two rival groups of Bangladesh Chhatra League over possession of rooms in a dormitory.

The authorities ordered the male and female students to vacate halls by 6:00pm yesterday and 8:00am today, respectively.

Seriously injured Tushar, Munna, Tareque and Toukin were admitted to Sonapur Royal Hospital, while six others were undergoing treatment at the campus clinic.

Witnesses said a group of BCL activists, led by computer science final year student Monzurul Islam Mohsin, occupied 11 rooms on the second floor of the under-construction Bhasha Shaheed Abdus Salam Hall around 11:00pm on Monday.

Another faction of the student organisation brought out a procession on the campus yesterday morning protesting the incident. A final year student of fisheries science Nurul Afsar Kajol led the group.

At one stage both the factions locked in chases and counter chases. They used hockey sticks, Chinese axes and other lethal weapons during the clashes.

Incensed, students ransacked the academic building and Bhasha Shaheed Abdus Salam Hall.

They also confined Provost Anwarul Bashar to a room for two hours until police freed him around noon.

Students of Bibi Khadiza Hall staged a sit-in demonstration in front of the academic building demanding removal of hall Provost Abdullah Al Mamun, Assistant Provosts Afsana Mousumi and Nahida Akhter for their alleged misbehaviour.

The clash erupted due to a misunderstanding between students, said AKM Sayedul Haque Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of the university, adding they were trying to settle the dispute.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md Mahbub Rashid said law enforcers have enhanced their strength to maintain peace on the campus.

Source: The Daily Star (May 25, 2011)

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