At least 25 people were injured on Thursday morning in a violent clash between activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir over dominance at Muladi Government College in Barishal’s Muladi upazila.

Muladi Upazila Chhatra Dal convener Mahiuddin Dhali alleged that Shibir leaders had been attempting to assert control over the college since the recent DUCSU polls. “They made offensive remarks about Tarique Rahman, which our unit protested. Shibir members then tried to remove him, and when we resisted, they attacked. Seven to eight of our activists are now in hospital,” he said.

In response, Barishal district Shibir president Syed Ahmed claimed they had gone to the campus to hold a career guidance programme for first-year honours students, when JCD leaders suddenly assaulted them, leaving 15–20 Shibir activists injured. Six of the more seriously wounded were later transferred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Muladi police officer-in-charge Md Safikul Islam said the confrontation began with an exchange of words that escalated into pushing and shoving between the two groups. Teachers initially tried to calm the situation before police arrived and restored order.