A minor altercation escalated into a series of violent clashes between students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute and Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) in the Tejgaon industrial area of the capital. The incidents, which began Sunday night, left at least 37 people injured, with 28 receiving treatment at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
Injured Students
The injured, ranging in age from 19 to 28, include Fahad (19), Khaled (19), Imon (20), Imran (20), Nadim (20), Topu (20), Rakib (20), Mithun (21), Mehedi (21), Imon (22), Probal (22), Toufik (22), Sohan (22), Amin (22), Nahid (23), Ramzan (23), Imon (24), Anan (25), Rifat Biswas (25), Rudro (26), Junayed (28), Soumik (28), Partha (28), Utshab (28), Azad (28), Bulbul (28), Proshanto (28), and Shishir (28). Details regarding their affiliations with specific institutions or departments remain unclear.
Inspector Md. Faruk, in charge of DMCH’s police camp, confirmed that 28 students involved in the clashes were brought to the hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Cause and Response
Assistant Commissioner Rabbani Hossain of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Industrial Zone stated that the exact cause of the conflict is still under investigation. Joint efforts by police and military personnel were deployed to restore order.
The clashes reportedly began around 10 PM near the BITAC intersection in Tejgaon. According to witnesses and police sources, the conflict originated from an argument that quickly escalated into physical violence, with both groups wielding sticks and engaging in confrontations lasting over an hour.
Traffic Disruption
By midnight, students blocked the stretch from Begunbari Post Office to Love Road, halting traffic and intensifying tensions in the area. Police initially attempted to control the situation but had to withdraw briefly. Military personnel later intervened, dispersing the students and securing the area.
Current Status
As of 2:30 AM, a tense calm prevailed, with law enforcement maintaining a significant presence to prevent further escalation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause of the conflict and the affiliations of the injured students.
