By Jamal Uddin Jahed
A fresh outbreak of violence at Chattogram Government City College has once again highlighted the growing tension between student politics and academic life in Bangladesh. Clashes between activists of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir triggered panic across the campus, leaving ordinary students anxious and disrupting academic activities at a critical time.
The incident comes as Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations are underway nationwide, raising renewed concerns over campus safety and political interference in education.
According to eyewitnesses, the সংঘর্ষ (clash) began over a graffiti on a campus wall that read “student politics and Chhatra League-free campus.” Members of Chhatra Dal reportedly altered the slogan by replacing the word “student” with “secret,” a move they described as symbolic protest.
The change quickly spread across social media, escalating tensions. Activists from Chhatra Shibir allegedly viewed the act as provocative, while Chhatra Dal defended it as a political statement. The conflicting interpretations fueled growing hostility between the groups.
Tensions had been building since Tuesday morning, with rival groups chanting slogans across campus. By midday, the situation spiraled out of control as both sides took positions around the main academic buildings.
What began as verbal exchanges soon escalated into সংঘর্ষ, including chases and counter-chases. Bricks were hurled, sending students scrambling for safety. Many were forced to take shelter in classrooms and the library as fear spread across the কলেজ (campus).
The worst affected were ordinary students with no political affiliation. আতঙ্ক (fear) gripped the campus as শিক্ষার্থীরা (students) struggled to escape the সংঘর্ষ.
“We came for classes, but suddenly everyone started running. Then bricks were flying. We hid inside a classroom in fear,” one student said.
Many reported উদ্বেগ (anxiety) over exams and academic uncertainty, especially as national-level tests are ongoing.
As the situation worsened, কলেজ কর্তৃপক্ষ (college authorities) suspended internal classes and some examinations. However, exams under the National University, including degree second-year and master’s programmes, continued as scheduled.
This dual decision drew mixed reactions. While some students raised নিরাপত্তা (safety) concerns, others said continuing exams provided a sense of normalcy.
Members of Bangladesh Police and the Chattogram Metropolitan Police quickly arrived at the scene. With assistance from teachers and প্রশাসন (administration), the দুই পক্ষ (two groups) were dispersed and order was gradually restored.
Additional police were deployed to prevent further unrest. Authorities confirmed that an investigation is underway and legal action will be taken against those responsible.
College principal Abu Saleh Mohammad Nayeem Uddin said initial efforts were made to calm the situation through শিক্ষকরা (teachers), but পরিস্থিতি (the situation) escalated rapidly.
“Our priority now is to restore a peaceful academic environment,” he said.
The incident has once again exposed the গভীর টানাপোড়েন (deep tension) between student politics and education in Bangladesh. Experts say such clashes are often driven by:
- রাজনৈতিক প্রভাবের আধিক্য (excessive political influence on campus)
- আধিপত্য বিস্তারের প্রতিযোগিতা (competition for dominance among student groups)
- প্রশাসনিক দুর্বলতা (administrative weaknesses)
- সামাজিক যোগাযোগমাধ্যমে উসকানি (provocative social media activity)
Analysts warn that unless these issues are addressed, similar incidents are likely to recur.
The ঘটনার পর (after the incident), videos and images spread rapidly online, sparking widespread debate. Many questioned why educational institutions repeatedly become centres of সংঘর্ষ, while others blamed political interference and weak governance.
Calls for restraint and long-term শান্তি (peace) on campuses also emerged.
For students and অভিভাবকরা (guardians), the biggest concern remains safety. Many fear that repeated violence is undermining the learning environment and putting students’ futures at risk.
“We send our children to college for education, not fear. If they are not safe, what kind of future will they have?” one parent said.
The latest violence at Chattogram Government City College serves as a stark reminder that educational institutions should not become arenas for রাজনৈতিক সংঘর্ষ (political conflict). They are meant to foster knowledge, growth and opportunity.
When campuses are overshadowed by fear and violence, it is the সাধারণ শিক্ষার্থীরা (ordinary students) who suffer most.
The urgent need now is clear: restore peace, ensure security, and protect the integrity of education—because learning cannot thrive under the shadow of আতঙ্ক.