RAJSHAHI: A clash between two groups of ruling Awami League-backed Chhatra League and Jubo League over collecting toll in Rajshahi University Saturday left at least 10 wounded.

Campus sources said a group of Juba League activists led by general secretary of ward no. 30 Shahidul Islam and his younger brother Rabiul Islam used to take money from the embroiled Shibir activists in exchange for allowing them to attend classes and examinations.

The clash took place following an altercation over this issue when Shahidul went to ‘Tukitaki Chattar’ of RU for discussing the matter with general secretary of BCL Mazedul Islam Apu along with his brother Rabi.

Among the injured Chhatra league activists, Fardin, Takim, Ranju and Emdad and Juba League activist Sohag were admitted into the RU hospital and other hospitals in the city.

As Chhatra League activists heard about the clash, they came out from different halls and chased the Juba Leaguers with lethal weapons.

Juba League activists took position in Binodpur area and exploded a crude bomb there. “At the time, they beat some general students,” says a spot account of the incident.

When local Juba League activists Mostafizur Rahman and Mizanur Rahman came to the campus at 2:30pm, Chhatra League activists called out ‘hijackers, hijackers’ and attacked them. Later, police rescued and took them to Matihar Police Station.

Chhatra Leaguers brought out a procession on the campus protesting the matter and announced their stance to resist Juba League leaders and activists, including Shahidul.

BCL president Joy demanded arrest of the “attackers” from a demonstration staged in front of the Central Shaheed Minar. 

Denying the allegation, Shahidul Islam Said,” Chhatra League is involved with the toll collection. They attacked me, as I went there to protest it.”

Proctor of RU Chowdhury Ahmed Jakaria said,” Authorities will investigate the matter.”

Tensions built up on the campus following the clash between the rival groups of the ruling party supporters.

Police reinforcements were deployed on the campus and its adjacent areas, said acting officer-in-charge of Matihar police station Abul Khair.

BDST: 06: 50 Hrs, JUne 26, 2010.

Correspondent/MS/MMA/MUA