More than 50 students were injured in violent clashes between university students and residents near Chittagong University (CU) late Saturday night (Aug 30), following an incident involving the alleged harassment of a female student.

The unrest erupted around 11:30 pm near Gate 2 of the university campus on August 30. 

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, tensions flared after a female student in the university’s philosophy department returned to her dormitory late at night to find the entrance locked. She claimed that the dormitory guard ignored her repeated requests for the gate to be opened.

“When my roommates forced him to open the door, the guard physically assaulted me,” she recounted. “He not only refused to let me in at first, but also laid hands on me and beat me when I confronted him.”

Following the incident, many students gathered at the scene to protest. The situation escalated when students attempted to detain the guard, prompting local residents to intervene. 

Eyewitnesses said that locals began throwing bricks and stones at the students, triggering a violent confrontation that lasted several hours and involved both sides engaging in running battles.

University authorities said that the situation spiralled out of control, prompting the deployment of military personnel to restore order. The confrontation reportedly continued until after 3 am (August 31).

CU Proctor Professor Tanvir Mohammad Hayder Arif confirmed the extent of the injuries, saying, “Two of our assistant proctors, several security personnel, and a large number of students have been injured. We are now working with the army to stabilise the situation and ensure safety on campus.”

SMS/