Two groups of FFs scuffle over CU VC's removal

At least six people were injured when a group of freedom fighters, who demands removal of the Chittagong University vice chancellor, was  attacked allegedly by another group of freedom fighters in front of Chittagong Press Club yesterday.

Muktijoddha Odhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad of Chittagong was preparing to observe a token hunger strike in front of the press club around 10:00am, accusing VC Prof Anwarul Azim Arif of being a fake freedom fighter, committing nepotism in recruitments, and patronising Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir men.

At that time, some 100 people loyal to the VC attacked and drove them away, said witnesses. They also assaulted Mohammad Idris, convener of the Parishad.

Idris said the attack was led by a "nephew" of the VC. "They assaulted me physically and tore my shirt....They tried to strip me naked but two duty cops near the press club rescued me."

"I also recognised fake freedom fighter Abu Taher among the attackers," he said, adding, "Six freedom fighters were injured in the attack, and they received primary treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital."

Sub-Inspector Aminur Rahman of Kotwali Police Station said he was not on the spot at the time of the incident.

“Locals told me that when they were taking preparations to observe their programme, another group of freedom fighters under the banner Satkania Muktijoddha Command led by Abu Taher reached there to form a human chain against the group of Idris,” he said. “They called Idris an extortionist and collaborator at that time, and both groups scuffled.”

VC Anwarul Azim denied that he sent anyone to attack them.

“Idris is trying to tarnish my image. He does not know the appointment procedure at university,” he said. “If I had appointed Jamaat-Shibir men at CU, how did our panel (pro-Awami League) win in the teachers' association election?”