A series of clashes erupted between two student groups at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) on Friday (February 7) night, continuing until the early hours. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from multiple issues, including the temporary suspension of Dr. Syed Md. Galib, Chairman of the CSE Department, allegations of corruption, protests by CSE students, and an accusation of physical harassment against a female leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
In response to the incident, both groups—students of the CSE department and members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement—held separate press conferences at Jashore Press Club on Saturday (February 8) afternoon, presenting their respective positions. Rashed Khan, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s Jashore district committee, was present at the press briefing. Following the conferences, Khan facilitated a discussion between the conflicting parties, later stating that the issue had been resolved.
Origins of the Conflict
At around 5:00 PM, Sadeka Shahani Urmi, joint convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (Jashore District), along with students from various departments, addressed the media. According to their account, on Friday evening, they were discussing allegations of corruption and misconduct against the temporarily suspended CSE chairman, Dr. Syed Md. Galib, at a roadside tea stall when a CSE student named Swapan accidentally brushed against Urmi. When they protested, an argument broke out between CSE students and Urmi’s group.
During this dispute, Habib Ahmed Shan, joint convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and an Environmental Science student, made remarks about Dr. Galib, which allegedly provoked CSE students. The situation escalated, leading to a physical confrontation when Urmi and Shan were heading towards the Proctor’s office, and CSE students allegedly charged at them. Urmi and Shan then called their fellow activists for support, triggering a violent clash.
According to protesting students, tensions further escalated when Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activists demonstrated in front of the administrative building, leading to an altercation with CSE students. During the scuffle, S. M. Dolonur Karim, joint member secretary of the movement, and Manjurul Hasan, a student of the FMB department, sustained injuries. The conflict then spilled over into different locations—CSE students gathered on the sports field, while Anti-Discrimination Student Movement members positioned themselves in front of Munshi Meherullah Hall, where intermittent clashes and stone-pelting occurred.
Statements from Both Sides
S. M. Dolonur Karim stated, “After receiving Urmi’s call, I rushed to the administrative building and saw our fellow activist Shan surrounded by CSE students. When I tried to mediate, they physically assaulted me. My fellow department students later confronted them, demanding an explanation, which led to Manjurul getting injured.”
Urmi, a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, claimed, “We have long been protesting against corruption and misconduct by temporarily suspended Dr. Syed Galib and other faculty members who support the fascist ruling Awami League. Yet, the CSE students are defending Dr. Galib, a loyalist of the fascist government. We believe last night’s attack was orchestrated by these fascists and their allies.”
In contrast, CSE students Mustafaijur Rahman, Samiul, Faisal Ahmed, and A. K. M. S. Limon later addressed the media to clarify their stance.
Mustafaijur Rahman recounted, “At the tea stall, one of our brothers accidentally brushed against Urmi Apa. Even after apologizing, her friend, EST student Shan, verbally abused us. We were heading to the Proctor’s office to report the matter when they started causing chaos and even pushed Limon. Later, they attacked three of our fellow students and hurled stones at us. We only defended ourselves against the assault.”
Dismissing allegations of siding with the administration, the CSE students asserted, “Our chairman (Dr. Galib) was suspended based on student demands. On Friday morning, we held a human chain seeking clarity on the allegations against him. We are not supporters of any fascist regime. We have also actively participated in anti-discrimination protests. However, we believe that those proven guilty should be punished.”
Resolution and Administrative Response
Rashed Khan, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Jashore, remarked, “The incident at JUST is unfortunate. Members of our movement were on both sides of the conflict. We have facilitated discussions between them, and the matter has been resolved.”
In response to the clashes, JUST Proctor Dr. Engineer Md. Amzad Hossain announced that a five-member investigation committee, chaired by Professor Dr. Jafirul Islam, had been formed. The committee has been instructed to submit a report within seven working days. Additionally, the university authorities issued an emergency directive prohibiting all forms of processions, meetings, and gatherings on campus until further notice. Violators will face disciplinary action as per university regulations.
Addressing the media, Proctor Dr. Amzad Hossain commented, “A Regent Board-led investigation committee has been established as per student demands. The committee will determine who among the administration and faculty have benefited from authoritarian rule. Necessary action will be taken once the report is submitted.”
Meanwhile, campus sources confirmed that at least eight students were injured in the clashes, with four receiving treatment at Jashore General Hospital. Additionally, Proctor Dr. Amzad Hossain was hospitalized due to high blood pressure while attempting to control the situation. To maintain order, university authorities deployed police personnel on campus Friday night.
