A violent clash broke out at Rajshahi University on Monday night between left-leaning student organizations and members of the “Anti-Shahbagh Union,” leaving at least two students injured. The altercation occurred around 8:00 PM near Paribahan Chattar, where leftist groups had assembled for a torch protest condemning the acquittal of former Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam, previously sentenced to death for war crimes.
Conflicting accounts emerged from both sides. Leftist activists alleged they were attacked with chairs while waiting for the other group to vacate the protest site. In contrast, Anti-Shahbagh Union members claimed they were provoked and assaulted first.
Two activists, Nasim Sarker and Tarek Ashraf, were reportedly injured in the clash. Tensions remained high late into the night, with both groups occupying areas near the university’s Administrative Building. University authorities have not yet released an official statement.
