Mohammad Riaz, BAU:Incidents of clashes among students of different residential halls at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have increased at an alarming rate in recent months, raising concerns over campus safety.
According to university sources, many of the confrontations were triggered by seemingly trivial issues, including heated exchanges on Facebook Messenger, derogatory remarks about rival residential halls, and offensive comments involving female friends. At least 18 students have been injured in these incidents, sustaining head and body injuries from bricks, stones, and sticks, and required hospital treatment over the past few months.
On July 23, a violent clash broke out between students of Ashraful Haque Hall and Shamsul Haque Hall after an argument involving comments about the girlfriend of a first-year student. The confrontation escalated into brick-throwing and stick-wielding chases, leaving at least 13 students injured. Most of the victims suffered injuries to their heads and other parts of the body and were admitted to hospital for treatment.
Another incident occurred on the night of August 1, when students of Maulana Bhasani Hall and Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy Hall became involved in a physical altercation following a heated exchange on Messenger. According to BAU Health Care authorities, five students received treatment for injuries sustained in the incident.
The following day, on August 2, fresh violence erupted between students of Shamsul Haque Hall and Ashraful Haque Hall after a verbal dispute escalated into brick-throwing and stick attacks. At least two students from the rival groups were injured and received hospital treatment.
The repeated clashes have created fear and anxiety among the university's general students.
Masum, a student of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, said the growing tendency of students to engage inorganised violence over minor issues have created an atmosphere of insecurity on campus. We live with the fear that anyone could suddenly attack us. These incidents are not only causing injuries and damaging university property but are also tarnishing the institution's reputation.
Political analyst Wakilur Rahman said these clashes stem from political competition among students, power dynamics within residential halls and faculties, and a mindset of trying to establish one's dominance over others.
BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan said two inquiry committees have been formed to assess these incidents and submit their recommendations. We have a disciplinary committee meeting today, and disciplinary action will be taken very soon.”