A chase and counter-chase, followed by clashes, broke out between students of Dhaka University (DU) and Dhaka College in the early hours of Monday, turning the area into a battlefield.

The unrest began around 1:00 am when both groups hurled brickbats at each other over the setting up of a makeshift shop.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem, along with other student leaders, rushed to the scene in an attempt to calm the situation, while law enforcement agencies intervened to restore order.

Speaking about the incident, Mohammad Jahangir, Assistant Commissioner of the New Market Zone under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said the tension flared over a makeshift shop set up on the footpath in front of the university’s Shahnewaz Hall. The dispute led to the chase and counter-chase between students of DU and Dhaka College. Police quickly arrived and dispersed both groups.

He added that sufficient police personnel have been deployed to maintain order and that the overall situation is now under control.