Bid to reopen Kushtia KC College fails

The college was closed sine die on Tuesday following Monday's clashes between activists of JCD (Jatyiatabadi Chhatra Dal) and ICS (Islami Chhatra Shibir), student wings of ruling BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. At least 30 students were injured.

Yesterday's meeting, held at the college, was attended by Police Superintendent Akram Hossain, Deputy Commissioner's representative NDC Fahmid Hossain, local leaders of BNP and Jamaat and of JCD and ICS.

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Sources said the meeting ended amid chaos without any decision as JCD and ICS leaders shouted and blamed each other for Monday's clashes.

When contacted after the meeting, its principal Prof Shahidul Islam he will not hold any more meeting and reopen the college when he thinks the atmosphere is suitable.

The college authorities closed the institution as tension mounted when activists of the two student organisations tried to enter the campus on Tuesday.

Campus sources said a large number of ICS activists along with 'outsiders' tried to enter the campus at about 11am.

JCD men who 'captured' the campus on Monday resisted them. They were equipped with firearms, iron rods, bamboo sticks and lethal weapons, sources said.

Police were deployed but an uneasy calm was prevailing the campus.

The JCD and ICS blamed each other for 'vitiating the healthy environment' and 'harboring terrorists'.

Sources said Monday's clash ensued when both JCD and ICS wanted to conduct a freshers' reception, organised by students of Economic Department. Police batoned the students and quelled the violence.

After the clash, JCD activist forced ICS men out of the campus and 'captured' it, including a dormitory.

Six of the injured JCD activists were admitted to Jhenidah Sadar Hospital and as many of ICS including its college unit president and general secretary were taken to Islami Bank hospital in the town.