7 injured as BCL factions clash at Ruet

At least seven students of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet) were injured as two groups of Bangladesh Chhatra League activists clashed at Shaheed Abdul Hamid Hall on Thursday night.

Around 11:00pm, supporters of Ruet unit BCL President Nayeem Rahman Nibir and General Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Topu were locked in the clash over establishing dominance on the campus, said Shahadat Hossain, officer-in-charge of Motihar Police Station.

On information, police rushed to the hall and brought the situation under control, said the police official.

Immediately after the clash, BCL central committee suspended activities of Ruet unit and asked its President Nayeem and General Secretary Mahfuzur to explain within 48 hours as to why organisational steps should not be taken against them, said a press release signed by BCL central committee President Saifur Rahman Sohag and General Secretary SM Jakir Hossain.

Witnesses said over previous enmity, followers of President Nayeem, with iron rods and sharp weapons, attacked those of Secretary Mahfuzur, who were staying at Shaheed Abdul Hamid Hall. Later, men of Mahfuzur counter-attacked the rivals.

A chase and counter chase took place. Several crude bombs were also blasted during the clash.

The injured were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Four of them were later shifted to Rajshahi CDM Hospital. One of them was taken to Dhaka yesterday for better treatment, BCL sources said.

Talking to The Daily Star after the incident, Mahfuzur said he was in the capital for the last two days. He just learnt that followers of Nayeem attacked his men.

However, this correspondent could not contact Nayeem for his comments.

Contacted, Ruet Vice-chancellor Prof Rafiqul Alam Beg said they would hold a meeting today and take necessary steps in this regard.

On January 23, 11 BCL men were also wounded in a factional clash of BCL, pro-ruling Awami League student body, over a trivial matter, said campus sources.