Chittagong University turned into a battleground late Saturday night after a Philosophy Department student was assaulted by a caretaker near Gate No. 2. The incident triggered a violent attack by locals on university students, leaving more than 50 students injured, including several leaders of the Democratic Student Council.
How It Started
According to eyewitnesses, the first-year Philosophy student, who lives in a rented building near Gate No. 2, returned home around 12:15 AM. When she asked the caretaker to open the gate, he allegedly abused her in foul language, slapped her, and pushed her to the ground before kicking her.
As nearby students rushed to rescue her, the caretaker fled. When students chased him, local residents joined in his defense and began hurling bricks and stones at the students, sparking hours of violent confrontation that stretched until at least 2 AM.
Students Severely Injured
Over 50 students were reported injured, with many suffering cuts, bruises, and head injuries from stone-pelting. Among them, Al Masnun, a prominent leader of the Democratic Student Council, was allegedly slashed with a sharp weapon and rushed to the hospital.
Imtiaz Hossain, a fourth-year Law Department student, sustained a deep wound under his eye that required three stitches. “He came with heavy bleeding under the eye, worsened by broken glasses. We stitched the wound and released him after primary treatment,” said Dr. Mohammad Tipu Sultan at the CU medical center.
The Victim Speaks
The assaulted Philosophy student described the initial attack:
“I returned home before midnight as usual. When I asked the caretaker to open the gate, he delayed and then verbally abused me. When I protested, he suddenly slapped me on the throat, pushed me down, and kicked me. My roommates came to help, and that’s when locals joined and attacked us.”
Authorities’ Response
Proctor Tanvir Mohammad Haider confirmed the incident, stating:
“We have received reports and informed both security personnel and police. They were dispatched to the scene.”
Campus in Anger
The violence has left CU students shaken and furious. Many are demanding justice for the assaulted female student and immediate action against the caretaker and locals involved in the attack.
The situation remains tense around Gate No. 2, with fears of further escalation if authorities fail to intervene decisively.
