Restoring Harmony Between CU Students and Villagers Remains a Challenge

The path from Gate No. 2 of Chittagong University (CU) leads to the entrance of Imam Bokhari Madrasa, and a short walk further takes you to the western part of Jobra village. In this area, around 12 students from various departments of the university reside in a rented tin-shed house. On Tuesday noon, a visit to the house revealed students packing their belongings and leaving. Jeson Chakma, a student of the International Relations Department, told *Kalabela*, “Since the clash between students and locals, I no longer feel safe here. I’ve been staying in the dormitory for the past two days and came today to collect essential items. I’ll return once the situation stabilizes.”

Abdullah, a student from the Sociology Department, shares a similar story. Residing near Gate No. 2, he has been staying at a friend’s house in the city for the past two days. He visited to check on the situation and collect necessary items.

This scenario is not unique to these two students. Most students living in cottages or messes around the university are experiencing similar fears. Due to an unknown sense of insecurity, many have left their rented accommodations to stay in university dormitories or with acquaintances in the city. The situation is equally tense in Jobra village. Conversations with several villagers revealed that they, too, are gripped by fear. Young men avoid staying in the village at night due to fears of arrests or attacks. The sight of joint forces’ vehicles prompts them to flee and hide. The two-day clash between CU students and local villagers has left lingering tensions. Although the university administration and local authorities are working to control the situation, restoring harmony between students and villagers has emerged as the biggest challenge. Stakeholders emphasize that without restoring this harmony, the university’s academic activities cannot proceed smoothly. Teachers, students, administrators, and local representatives agree that fostering reconciliation is the top priority. Without it, tensions could resurface at any moment. Efforts must also be made to resolve this conflict permanently. Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin said, “Both sides are ours. We are trying to reason with the villagers, while the university administration is taking various initiatives regarding the students.” CU’s Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Kamal Uddin told *Kalabela*, “We have formed a committee to enhance harmony between the two sides, and it has already started working.” Established in 1966 near Jobra village, CU spans approximately 2,310 acres and currently enrolls 28,515 students. However, residential facilities are limited, with 14 halls and one hostel accommodating around 9,000 students. The remaining 19,500 students must reside in cottages, messes, or rented houses in the city or surrounding areas. **Why the Conflict Escalated**: The conflict began on Saturday night over an allegation of a female student being assaulted near Gate No. 2, leading to clashes between students and locals. From midnight Saturday to Sunday noon, multiple rounds of confrontations and chases occurred. Students allege that the administration could have resolved the issue that night. However, the proctorial team arrived at the scene nearly 45 minutes after the incident began, by which time the situation had escalated significantly. Some student leaders allegedly incited the violence, and only a few police officers were present to control the situation. Ayubur Rahman Toufiq, a student from the History and Culture of Islam Department, who was present at the scene, said, “The absence of the proctorial body and law enforcement fueled the escalation. The clash began around 12:15 AM, but the proctorial team arrived after 1:00 AM. Despite repeated calls, they were unreachable. They could have resolved the issue immediately by involving local leaders, representatives, and student representatives, but by the time they arrived, the situation was out of control.” Yasin Arafat, General Secretary of the CU branch of Biplobi Chhatra Moitri, stated, “The administration is responsible for the escalation. Students wanted to hand over a security guard to the administration, but they didn’t respond.” However, Assistant Proctor Bozlu Rahman refuted these claims, saying, “We arrived at the right time. The students are making these claims without knowing the facts.” **Damage in Jobra Village**: From Gate No. 2 to the Imam Bokhari Madrasa entrance, signs of destruction are evident. At Nurul Islam Company’s garage, a guard reported that five CNG auto-rickshaws, eight to nine auto-rickshaws, and several motorcycles were vandalized, with some set on fire. A nearby shop owned by Nannu Miya, selling tea, snacks, and groceries, was looted and damaged. Nannu Miya’s son, Md. Rukun, said, “Goods worth around Tk 3 lakh were looted, and the cash register was broken into. I recently took a loan of Tk 1.5 lakh to restock the shop. I don’t know what to do now.” He alleged that students living nearby were involved. Mohammad Siraj, a 40-year rickshaw puller in the area, said, “I bought my rickshaw for Tk 1.3 lakh, but students destroyed it. Repairs will cost Tk 60,000, and I don’t even have 60 paisa. My family is struggling to afford food.” Abdul Mannan, who returned from abroad on August 19, claimed students looted 7 bhori of gold and Tk 4 lakh in cash from his home. Villagers insist they did not attack the university campus but were defending themselves when students caused trouble in their village. **Why Conflicts Recur**: Discussions with former proctors, students, and locals reveal that psychological factors are a major cause of recurring clashes. Issues like house rent disputes, shopping conflicts, extortion, control over local businesses, drug trade, misbehavior, and deforestation in the hills also contribute.

Former Proctor Professor Ali Azgar Chowdhury said, “Psychological factors play a significant role. Students feel superior as university students, while villagers believe the university is in their area. Both sides assert dominance, leading to conflicts over trivial issues like addressing each other informally. Immediate resolution involving local leaders and representatives is essential, and the university administration must play a key role.”