'Joy Bangla' Clash Leaves 18 Injured in Sylhet Engineering College
Eighteen people, including several students of Sylhet Engineering College, were reportedly injured following an attack during a football match, allegedly accompanied by chants of "Joy Bangla." The incident took place around 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 6, at the King Futsal Sports Center in Baluchar Nayabazar, Sylhet, during the "July Memorial Football Tournament 2025."
According to eyewitnesses and police sources, students from Sylhet Agricultural University had rented the futsal field for an hour. However, after the scheduled time ended, they reportedly continued playing for an additional 90 minutes. This led to a confrontation with another group who had booked the venue next. What began as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into a physical altercation, during which the facility's office was also vandalized.
"At least 18 individuals from both sides were injured," said Md. Saiful Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police and recently promoted Superintendent of Police. "Eleven students were admitted to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital and other private hospitals."
Among the injured students, Rakib, Rubel, and Mahi alleged that the attackers chanted "Joy Bangla" slogans while assaulting them. They claimed the assault was led by Jaagirder Al Mamun alias Bullet Mamun, reportedly affiliated with student political group Chhatra League. During the scuffle, students managed to detain one of the attackers, who allegedly confirmed Mamun's involvement.
Law enforcement officials responded promptly to the scene and brought the situation under control. After a meeting with students and college authorities, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (South) Md. Shahriar Alam stated, "One individual detained by students has been taken to the station. Further legal action will follow upon receiving formal complaints."
He added that while Mamun currently holds no organizational position, he has had associations with Chhatra League in the past and faces multiple criminal cases. Police have since conducted several raids in the Baluchar area in an effort to apprehend him.
