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Campus, May 27, 2025, at around 7:30 PM, multiple clashes broke out between the Anti-Shahbag Student Unity Platform and the Democratic Student Alliance at Rajshahi University (RU) campus. The incidents occurred in front of the Paribahan Chattar and the Shaheed Buddhijibi Chattar, resulting in at least four people being injured.
Details of the Incident
The Anti-Shahbag Student Unity Platform organized a protest march demanding justice against the Shahbag movement. Simultaneously, the Democratic Student Alliance held a torchlight procession protesting the release of Jamaat leader ATM Azhar. During these events, tensions escalated between the two groups, leading to multiple rounds of clashes.
Members of the Anti-Shahbag platform were heard chanting slogans such as "Against Shahbag, direct action," "No place for leftists on this campus," "No place for Student Front on this campus," "Hit the Student Front on both cheeks," and "We demand justice for Shahbag." On the other hand, members of the Democratic Student Alliance chanted slogans like "’71 hasn’t lost, Hasina has," "Who are you, who am I, ’71 and ’24," "Identified war criminals, leave Bangladesh now," and "Light the fire, ignite the flame."
Statement from Anti-Shahbag Unity
Rakibul Islam, the convener of the Anti-Shahbag Student Unity Platform, stated, "In 2013, Shahbag established a mob rule defying the state’s decisions, which was finally stopped in 2024 through the sacrifices of thousands of students. Despite this, they are holding processions again. Our peaceful march was attacked from behind with torches by the leftists, and we hold them responsible for this attack." He condemned the incident and demanded justice for the attackers.
Imran, a student from the Arabic Department (2022-23 session), added, "While we were protesting for justice against Shahbag, the leftists launched an unprovoked attack to undermine our movement. Several of our members were injured. We strongly condemn this and demand justice from the university administration."
Statement from Democratic Student Alliance
Rakibul Islam, president of the Student Union, said, "We were holding a peaceful torchlight procession demanding the cancellation of the illegal release of Jamaat leader ATM Azhar. During this, members of the Anti-Shahbag Student Unity and Chhatra Shibir attacked us." He alleged that Shibir members from various halls and the RU unit were involved in the attack.
Reactions and Context
The clashes have created tension across the campus. Posts on social media indicate that the Chhatra Dal has taken the side of the Shahbag supporters in this incident. Additionally, anger among leftist groups over the release of Jamaat leader ATM Azhar is considered a key factor contributing to the clashes.
The university administration has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, there is a growing demand for administrative intervention and an investigation to restore peace on the campus.
AI/MR
