Cuet closed for 17 days after BCL infighting

Clashes in Meherpur, Patuakhali on Victory Day leave 10 hurt

16 December 2009, 17:00 PM

Star National Desk

The authorities closed Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) for 17 days following a clash between two factions of Bangladesh Chhatra League over placing wreaths at Shaheed Minar on the campus on the Victory Day yesterday. At least 25 people from both sides were injured during the clash. Cuet students were asked to vacate their dormitories by yesterday afternoon, according to our staff correspondent from Chittagong. Besides, several other people were injured in clashes over Victory Day celebrations in Meherpur and Patuakhali. Campus sources said the trouble began in the morning when the two factions--one led by BCL leader Abdul Gani and the other by Sujan--went to the Shaheed Minar on Cuet campus in the morning to place wreaths, marking the Victory Day. The clashing BCL men also vandalised windowpanes of around 20 rooms in four dormitories during the clash. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Additional police have been deployed on the campus. Cuet Vice-Chancellor Shaymal Kanti Biswas said a five-member committee headed by Dr Jahangir Alam has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee will submit its report by the first week of January, he added. In Meherpur, at least five people, including two law enforcers, were injured in a clash between two factions of Awami League over Victory Day celebration in Gangni upazila yesterday morning, reports a correspondent. Our Patuakhali correspondent adds: Victory Day programme organised by Rangabali upazila BNP was postponed amidst an attack that left at least five BNP men injured. Of the injured, three were first admitted to Rangabali health centre and later shifted to Galachipa Upazila Health Complex. They are Farid Munshi, 45, assistant organising secretary of BNP Rangabali unit, and local Jubo Dal leaders Milon, 30, and Sarwar Hussain, 28. Kabir Hussain Talukder, president of Rangabali BNP, blamed Chhatra League and Jubo League activists for the attack. BCL and Jubo League denied the allegation.a