Three shot, 30 injured as Shibir-Chhatra Dal lock horn in Chattogram

A violent clash broke out between the activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) late Tuesday night in Chattogram’s Chawkbazar area, after a Shibir member was assaulted and an attempt was made to hand him over to the police.

The confrontation left at least three people with gunshot wounds and over 30 others injured.

Among the injured, Jaberul Islam (20), a Shibir activist, is in critical condition and is currently receiving treatment in the ICU of a private hospital. Another severely injured victim, Mohammad Fahim (19), suffered a serious head injury after being struck with a heavy object. The identities of the other injured are yet to be confirmed.

Sources said the altercation stemmed from an earlier incident in which Fahim and local residents had tried to stop extortion from van drivers in Chawkbazar. In retaliation, around 11 PM on Tuesday, JCD members allegedly assaulted him, labeling him a Chhatra League member, and attempted to hand him over to the police.

Upon hearing the news, Shibir activists rushed to the area, resulting in a standoff between the two student groups. Around 12:30 AM, a second wave of violence reportedly broke out, allegedly led by expelled Jubo Dal leader Badsha, during which gunshots were heard. Witnesses reported seeing individuals armed with sharp weapons and firearms.

Eyewitnesses said Shibir members positioned themselves near Golzar Mor, west of Chawkbazar Police Station, while JCD activists protested near Chawk Super Market. Clashes between the groups left at least 30 people injured, and three with gunshot wounds were admitted to local hospitals.

Tanjir Hossain Jewel, president of Shibir’s Chattogram North unit, said: “Recently, when Badsha’s men attempted extortion from a van, our activist Arif, with help from locals, handed them over to the police. In retaliation, they isolated Arif, beat him while falsely tagging him as a Chhatra League member, and brought him to the police station. Arif was seriously injured during a pro-Shibir movement just last year in July 2024.”

Chawkbazar JCD leader Abdul Kader, however, denied the allegations, stating: “Our members handed over a banned Chhatra League activist to the police. But soon after, Shibir activists from Chattogram College attacked our members and held them at the station. Police seem to be siding with Shibir, driving our activists away.”

Chawkbazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Zahidul Kabir said: “Tensions flared between Shibir and JCD over the handover of a student to police. We’ve since brought the situation under control and calmed both parties.”