At least 80 injured in late night clashes between Barishal University, BM College students

At least 80 have been injured during clashes between the students of Barishal University and Government Brojomohun (BM) College in Barishal today (4 September), said Mostafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station.

The Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital authorities said 55 students from both institutions have been treated so far in the hospital's emergency department. 

"Around 33 from Barishal University have been admitted to the hospital," said Unmesh Ray, chairman of the Bangla Department of the university.

Rifat, a student of BM College, said at least 20-25 college students have been sent to the hospital, with another 30-40 getting treatments from pharmacies. 

Students and eyewitnesses said the clash took place at around 2am. 

Aman, a student of BM College, claimed that the Barishal University students arrived on their campus in four buses and a small truck and attacked them. 

"They assaulted whomever they found, wherever they found them. Many sustained head injuries and severe wounds. The injured were rescued and taken to the hospital. They also vandalised three vehicles belonging to the college," said the BM College student. 

Meanwhile, Sajid, a student at Barishal University, said some students of BM College vandalised their buses. 

"We went to the college campus to discuss these issues, but they attacked us. Many of us were injured," he said. 

Several students and eyewitnesses from both institutes told this correspondent that the conflict began over the construction of a building on the Baptist Mission Road of Barishal's Banglabazar area that was halted by some neighbours. 

BM College administration said law enforcers had arrived at the spot and have been working to calm the situation.