Summary:
- Dhaka University (DU) and its seven affiliated colleges postponed all classes and exams scheduled for January 27, 2025, citing “unavoidable circumstances.”
- Violent clashes erupted between DU and affiliated college students in Nilkhet, prompting police to use stun grenades and tear gas to control the situation.
- The conflict began after students from the seven colleges presented demands to DU authorities, leading to a confrontation and subsequent injuries.
- DU authorities apologized for the incident, called for calm, and announced plans for an emergency meeting to address the grievances.
Dhaka University (DU) and its seven affiliated colleges have postponed all classes and examinations scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2025, following violent clashes between students from the two groups. The decision, announced in a statement by DU authorities, cited “unavoidable circumstances” as the reason for the suspension. The rescheduled dates for the exams will be announced later.
The clashes erupted late Sunday night in the Nilkhet area of Dhaka, where students from the seven colleges confronted DU students over a series of grievances. The altercation escalated into a prolonged standoff involving several hundred students. Police intervened using stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd, and four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were deployed to restore order. The situation was brought under control by approximately 3:00 AM on Monday.
According to reports, tensions began earlier on Sunday evening when students from the seven colleges approached DU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Mamun Ahmed, with a five-point demand. Allegations of misbehavior during the meeting led the college students to block the Science Lab intersection and later march toward the DU Vice Chancellor’s residence. The confrontation intensified as DU students chased their counterparts back to Nilkhet, resulting in a series of clashes that left at least ten individuals injured.
In response to the incident, students from the affiliated colleges announced a sit-in protest at their respective campuses and declared a boycott of all classes and exams under DU. They also accused law enforcement of bias during the clashes and demanded justice for those injured.
DU Vice Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan issued an apology for the incident in a late-night statement, urging all parties to remain calm and avoid actions that could exacerbate tensions. He emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully and announced plans for an emergency meeting with principals of the seven colleges.
The unrest has drawn significant attention as authorities work to address underlying grievances while ensuring campus safety. Students and university officials alike have called for constructive engagement to prevent future incidents.
Source: The Daily Star
