5 hit by bullets in Jahangirnagar University clashes: witnesses

Five people received bullet injuries as gunfire broke out at Jahangirnagar University on Monday as two rival Chhatra League factions locked in violent clashes, said witnesses.

The vice chancellor has called an emergency syndicate meeting, said university officials, while a heavy police presence was seen on campus.

Student activists also manhandled proctor Prof Nasir Uddin and ransacked his residence and that of another teacher, said JU authorities.

The central committee of the Awami League-backed student body suspended all Chhatra League activities at JU for a month on Jan 18, following clashes between BCL and BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal over campus control.

Monday's clashes occurred between one BCL group occupying four of the halls on campus and another under the banner of a "rebel BCL group" occupying two other halls, said witnesses on campus.

Five people were reported to have been hit by bullets.

our JU correspondent reports the violence was sparked as a member of one BCL faction was beaten in front of the Arts Building around 11am, leaving him grievously wounded.

As news of the assault spread the two feuding groups faced off around midday, engaging in a shootout for about half an hour during which some 10 to 12 rounds of gunfire were heard.

Both groups carrying firearms were still in confrontational positions at around 4pm, said witnesses.

But Savar police superintendent Jahangir Alam denied that the students were still armed.

"No one is carrying or exhibiting any weapons," he said.

The policeman said the halls maybe searched as a next step.

"Hundreds of police personnel are currently stationed within the campus," he added.

Sohel Pervez, JU Chatra League president claimed Monday's events were an attempt to "destabilise" the campus.

"This violence has occurred on the eve of the withdrawal of the suspension on Chhatra League activities to destabilise the situation further," he told us .