Photo: Collected
At Dhaka University's Bangabandhu Tower yesterday, an alleged attack by individuals identified as activists of Chhatra League left at least three Law Department students with significant injuries. The incident occurred following a religious discussion held by the students, say the victims.
The seriously injured, identified as Sakibuzzaman Turzo, Shahinoor Alam Russel, and Rafid Hasan Safwan, reported that the assault happened as they were exiting the Bangabandhu Tower mosque after a session focused on the significance of fasting during Ramadan.
Eyewitnesses and employees of Bangabandhu Tower recounted that approximately 15 to 20 Law Department students gathered at the tower for Zuhr prayers. Following the prayers, they engaged in a discussion on various Ramadan-related topics.
The situation escalated when Sirajul Haque, President of the Bangabandhu Tower Employees' Association, accompanied by Tawhidul Islam Sujan, General Secretary of the Shahbagh Thana Chhatra League, demanded the students vacate the mosque premises. According to witnesses, the attack unfolded as the students attempted to leave, with Sujan and his associates confronting them at the exit.
CCTV footage from the mosque and its surroundings corroborated the accounts provided by witnesses. One of the students, Rezowan Ahmed Rifat, shared, “We were immediately attacked upon exiting the mosque. Some of us, including myself, were physically assaulted. I sought refuge in a nearby Bangabandhu Tower residence with a friend, while Shahin, who sustained more severe injuries, was rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.”
Efforts to reach Tawhidul Islam Sujan for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.
Tanvir Hasan Saikat, General Secretary of the Dhaka University Chhatra League, commented on the incident, suggesting the involved students were holding a seminar and were linked to Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, although they claimed to be part of a Tablighi group. He alleged that a confrontation started when residents objected to the seminar, leading to a physical altercation that was intervened by Chhatra League leaders.
Saikat also expressed concerns over increasing activities by Jamaat, Shibir, and “militant organizations” within the university, accusing them of politicizing mosque spaces. He declared that the Dhaka University Chhatra League would intensify its campus activities to counter such groups.
DU Proctor Prof. Maksudur Rahman acknowledged awareness of the incident but noted that no official complaint had been filed. He assured that the university administration is investigating the matter further.
Messenger/Disha
