Chittagong University violence erupts after World Cup screening dispute

Violence erupted at Chittagong University following a dispute during a World Cup match screening, with university authorities now launching an investigation. The clash, which reportedly injured several individuals, involved rival student groups trading accusations.

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As soon as I reached, 20 to 30 people surrounded and assaulted me. They grabbed me by the throat, kicked me and verbally abused me. Although a few JCD leaders later pulled me away, I was attacked again. Members of the university security office eventually rescued me.

The incident began Monday night during a public viewing of the Brazil-Japan football match, organized by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD). An altercation reportedly started when a student lit a cigarette in a female-only spectator area, leading to an objection from a JCD leader.

Later that night, the dispute intensified near Zero Point, where a leader from the Chhatra Shakti group alleged he was assaulted by 20 to 30 students after being lured to Shahjalal Hall. He claimed JCD leaders were involved and that university security intervened. The JCD, however, rejected this account, stating the violence stemmed from the initial football screening scuffle and that their activists were attacked first.

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During the football screening, there was a scuffle involving Dishan and Yafee. Yesterday, while I was passing through the area with several others, Dishan, Palash and a few others attacked us. When we regrouped, Chhatra Shakti leader Ulfatur Rahman Rakib took two of the attackers away on his motorcycle. After he returned, another unpleasant incident occurred.

University authorities are investigating the clash as rival student groups blame each other for the violence. The situation remains tense as the investigation proceeds.

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After hearing that our activist Mamun had been attacked at Zero Point, I went there and saw Chhatra Shakti leader Rakib taking away two people allegedly involved in the attack on his motorcycle. They are members of the Brahmanbaria Students' Association.