Clash Between Two Factions of JCD at Jahangirnagar University Amid Central Leaders’ Visit

A physical altercation broke out between two factions of the Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in the campus cafeteria area on Sunday around 12:30 PM. The incident occurred during a visit by central JCD leaders, sparking tension and a scuffle between the rival groups.

According to eyewitnesses and JCD activists, central JCD leaders, including General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir and Senior Vice-President Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahiya, arrived on campus as per a pre-announced schedule. Around noon, they were present at the teachers’ lounge in the cafeteria along with JU JCD Convener Jahiruddin Babar, Member Secretary Wasim Ahmed, and others. Meanwhile, other JCD activists were gathered in the cafeteria.

Shortly after, a group of over 50 JCD activists arrived at the cafeteria on motorcycles, raising slogans accusing the convener and member secretary of bringing outsiders to the campus. This led to heightened tension, with the agitated group chasing several alleged outsiders. The group then attempted to meet the central leaders in the teachers’ lounge, but supporters of the JU JCD convener and member secretary blocked the entrance, resulting in a confrontation and physical scuffle. Both sides also exchanged verbal abuses. The university’s proctorial team intervened at the scene, attempting to calm the situation. After some time, the agitated activists met with the central JCD leaders in the teachers’ lounge for discussions. Meanwhile, the top five leaders of the JU JCD unit, including the convener and member secretary, along with their supporters, moved from the lounge to the ground floor. JCD activists reported that on August 8, an extended committee for the JU JCD unit and committees for 17 halls were announced. Allegations surfaced that members of Chhatra League, Chhatra Shibir, and even snatchers were included in these committees, prompting protests from the dissenting faction for several days. Since the committee announcement, the top five leaders of the JU JCD unit had reportedly been absent from the campus. Commenting on the incident, JU JCD Convener Jahiruddin Babar said, “Those causing the disturbance include some expelled members of our organization, along with a vested interest group. While there may be some inconsistencies in the announced committee, we are working to resolve them. However, a certain group is trying to create chaos by exploiting this situation.” Regarding the presence of outsiders, he added that it is natural for leaders and activists from various units to visit when central leaders come to the campus. JU Proctor Professor AKM Rashidul Alam told Prothom Alo, “There was a minor conflict between two factions of JCD over internal issues. The proctorial team successfully resolved the situation, and the campus is now calm. Everyone has been requested to maintain a peaceful environment.”