Dinajpur Govt College closed <i>sine die</i>
Dinajpur Government College has been closed for an indefinite period yesterday following violence between the students and adjacent villagers over a trifling matter on Wednesday.
Sources said the college authorities asked the students to vacate the residential halls.
The clashes between the students of the college and adjacent villagers left at least 10 students injured.
Identified as Rashed Ahmed, Sushanta Roy and Abul Kalam Azad are now undergoing treatment at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital.
The college authorities said steps have been taken to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The ongoing examinations of 1st and 2nd year students under the National University will be continuing as per schedule.
The violence erupted when a motorbike rider hit Rashed, a 2nd year honours student, from behind at Suihari Driverpara. At one stage, scuffles broke out between a number of students and the rider.
Later, the adjacent villagers led by Labu gathered at different points near the college as other students in the area protested the incident.
At night, the students and villagers were involved in clashes, including chase and counter chase at Driverpara and Asrampara, leaving at least three students wounded on the spot.
The agitating students brought out a protest procession at 9:30pm as they heard a rumour that one of the injured died at the medical college.
As the procession reached Kalitola, around 600 metres away from the college, police charged batons on the students to disperse them. At least seven students were injured.
Later, the students regrouped their forces on the campus at 10:00pm, but police again charged batons on them without any permission of the authorities.
At midnight, the college authorities initiated an effort to settle the matter but failed to reach any decision.
When contacted, Principal Hosney Ara Haider admitted to the incident, saying that the situation is now under control. Police have been deployed in and around the college.
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