SAVAR: Violent clashes between two factions of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) Monday left over 50 people injured over establishing supremacy in a dormitory.  

Two of the injured sustained bullet injuries while a total of 15 were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital “in critical condition”, Dr AKM Abdul Hannan, the university physician, told banglanews24.com.bd.

Physician Dr Shamsur Rahman said many of the injured were senseless and could not be taken to Dhaka for lack of ambulance.

Campus sources said trouble between the two rival groups in the varsity unit of the pro-government student organization erupted at around 10 am at Al-Beruni Hall, which later spread over Shaheed Salam-Barkat and AFM Kamal Uddin Halls.

Sources said the followers of BCL leader Emil swooped on their rival Sajib and his group and drove them away from Al-Beruni Hall.

“Sajib sustained serious injuries and was admitted to University’s medical where he was chopped by sharp machete and large knife for a second time by rivals,” said an eyewitness to the rioting, wishing anonymity.

When top university officials, including Vice-chancellor Prof Sharif Enamul Kabir, went to see the victims at the medical centre, the followers of Emil chased them, too, and locked into a second spell of clashes with Sajib’s supporters.

Witnesses said they heard at least 10 gunshots traded between the rioting rivals.

Many rooms of dormitories were damaged and many students jumped from the roof for life and received injuries amid the mayhem.

Of the injured, 12 were identified: Zahid, Sajib, Jayanta, Sohel, Real, Arif, Shokal, Bijoy, Emil, Nahidul, Shimul and Ujjal.     

Following the incident—latest in a series of BCL infightings at different places--extra police personnel were deployed on the campus amidst tense situation.

BDST: 1340 HRS, 5 JULY 2010-07-05