In the early hours of Thursday, tensions flared once again between higher secondary students of Dhaka College and Dhanmondi Ideal College, culminating in a violent confrontation in the Science Lab area of Dhaka city. The precise cause of the altercation remains unclear, but reports suggest that ongoing disputes between the two groups have escalated over recent days.
Eyewitnesses reported that the clash began around 11:30 a.m., when a group of Dhaka College students advanced towards Dhanmondi Ideal College. Police intervened promptly, deploying two rounds of tear gas within the Dhaka College campus to disperse the students. The intervention temporarily restored order, though the atmosphere remained tense.
A Dhaka College student, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that over the past two days, seven students from their institution had been attacked by Dhanmondi Ideal College pupils. He alleged that the assailants used weapons, including Chinese-curved knives, during these incidents, heightening fears among students and staff alike.
The situation spilled into nearby streets, with protesters and students reportedly throwing bricks and other objects at law enforcement officers. Police responded with tear gas, forcing students to retreat. The unrest caused severe disruption to traffic along Mirpur Road, particularly in the New Market area, where movement remained restricted for several hours.
Shah Mostafa Tarikuzzaman, Assistant Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Dhanmondi Zone, confirmed that, due to safety concerns, roads from Mirpur to New Market were completely closed during the height of the clash. Authorities have urged students and residents to avoid the area while investigations continue.
While no official casualty figures have been released, the repeated incidents between these two colleges have raised concerns about student safety and the need for stricter preventive measures. School administrators from both institutions have yet to issue formal statements regarding the incidents, though police continue to monitor the situation closely.
Summary of Incident:
| Date & Time | Location | Involved Parties | Police Action | Impact on Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 January, 11:30 am | Science Lab area, Dhaka | Dhaka College vs. Dhanmondi Ideal College | Tear gas deployed (2 rounds) | Roads from Mirpur to New Market closed; severe congestion |
| Previous 2 days | Various | Dhaka College & Dhanmondi Ideal College | Investigation ongoing | Seven Dhaka College students reportedly attacked |
Authorities continue to call for calm as investigations into the latest clashes proceed, emphasising the importance of preventing further violence among students.