Tension gripped Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) campus in Gazipur on Sunday after violent clashes broke out between protesting students, alleged outsiders and police over the appointment of a new vice-chancellor (VC), leaving several students injured.

The unrest began after the government appointed Professor Dr Mohammad Iqbal of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology as the new vice-chancellor of DUET, a decision that was immediately rejected by general students.

Student protests, which started on Thursday night, intensified on Sunday morning when demonstrators gathered at the university’s Shaheed Minar to stage a “red card” protest against the newly appointed VC, following a previously announced programme.

The situation soon turned violent, leading to what students described as a three-way clash involving protesters, alleged activists of a student wing of a political party and police.

Students alleged that members of Chhatra Dal, accompanied by outsiders, attacked demonstrators while police remained passive during the violence.

Several videos circulating online showed injured students receiving treatment, with many reportedly admitted to hospitals.

The protesting students have been demanding that DUET’s vice-chancellor be appointed from among the university’s own faculty members.

They argued that internal teachers are better acquainted with the institution’s academic structure, administrative challenges and student realities, making them more capable of leading the university and implementing long-term development plans.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police’s (GMP) Sadar Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Aminul Islam, said police were present at the scene and working to bring the situation under control.

The campus remained tense following the clashes, with protests continuing amid heightened security.