Two HSC Candidates Assaulted Outside Bagerhat Exam Centre

An outbreak of violence has disrupted the academic calm in Bagerhat as two Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinees were assaulted outside their examination centre on Wednesday afternoon. The incident unfolded in two separate phases, occurring both inside and just outside the main gates of Bagerhat Government Women’s College. Despite the presence of on-duty police officers, the assailants managed to beat the students before security personnel could fully contain the situation.

The victims of the assault have been identified as Shahriar Khan and Rafsan Amin, both business studies students from Bagerhat Government PC College. According to the victims, the attack was orchestrated by a local leader of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)—the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—identified as Samir, along with several associates. The victims asserted that the confrontation stemmed from a prior dispute on Facebook Messenger.

Political Undertones and Local Denials

An investigation into the background of the clash revealed deeper political undertones. Shahriar Khan’s Facebook profile had reportedly featured multiple posts supporting the political rehabilitation of the Awami League. Samir, the accused JCD leader, confirmed that political friction played a part but denied any official involvement of his organisation.

“Shahriar Khan has been posting in favour of Sheikh Hasina for a long time. These online arguments culminated in an unpleasant situation with his classmates. Members of the Chhatra Dal were not involved in this incident,” Samir stated.

The nature of the attack, occurring within 200 yards of an active examination centre where candidates were still clad in uniform and holding their admit cards, has sparked serious concerns among parents. Local guardians expressed deep anxiety over the breakdown of security in what should be a highly protected zone. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one mother whose son was sitting his examinations at the same venue voiced her alarm, questioning who would take responsibility if similar violence targeted other students in the coming days.

Academic Authorities Initiate Disciplinary Action

The administration at Bagerhat Government Women’s College confirmed they are actively investigating the security breach. Dr A.Z.M. Ruhul Qadir, the principal of the institution, stated that while the incident occurred on his campus, both the victims and the alleged attackers are students of Bagerhat Government PC College.

To ensure accountability, the college administration has retrieved CCTV footage of the altercation outside the gates. A copy of the accused student’s admit card has already been forwarded to the principal of Government PC College to facilitate disciplinary action. Dr Qadir added that a formal report, along with the video evidence, would be submitted to both the District Commissioner and the District Superintendent of Police to initiate necessary legal proceedings.