At least 50 people were injured in clashes at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) as students confronted each other over demands to ban student politics.

The clashes erupted on Tuesday (February 18) noon when students protesting against student politics confronted Chhatra Dal activists on campus.

The situation worsened as BNP activists from nearby areas joined Chhatra Dal, while members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Islami Chhatra Shibir sided with the students. The violence spread beyond the campus and continued for nearly an hour.

Injured students were taken to the KUET Medical Center and nearby private clinics for treatment. Security forces, including the army, navy, police, and RAB, have surrounded the area to restore order.

At around 2:00 PM, BNP supporters outside the KUET pocket gate reportedly attacked a student, leaving him seriously injured. This incident intensified anger among students, leading to further clashes where some were seen carrying machetes and other weapons.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Islami Chhatra Shibir members later joined the general students in chasing away Chhatra Dal activists, while BNP members from surrounding areas reinforced Chhatra Dal. The clashes continued until 5:00 PM, leaving many injured.

KUET student Rahatul Islam from Civil 20 batch said they went to the VC with their demand to ban student politics, but Chhatra Dal members threatened them and later attacked them. 

Mirajul Islam Imon, a spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Khulna district committee, alleged that Chhatra Dal activists carried out unprovoked attacks, injuring several students.

Former Khulna Metropolitan Chhatra Dal convener Ishtiaq Ahmed Ishti claimed that Chhatra Shibir members attacked general students, which led to the clashes. 

However, Khulna Metropolitan Chhatra Shibir President Arafat Hossain Milon denied involvement, saying Chhatra Dal and BNP activists attacked students.

In protest against the attack on KUET students, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s Khulna city and district units have announced a protest rally at 8:30 PM at Shibbari Mor.

Khan Jahan Ali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Kabir Hossain confirmed that five people have been detained. 

Security forces, including the army, navy, police, and RAB, are working to control the situation, he added.

BDST: 2044 HRS, FEB 18, 2025
MSK