Over 150 students were wounded in day-long clashes at Chittagong University on Sunday after an argument over a female student returning “late” to her rented residence escalated into violence. The student was allegedly assaulted by a security guard, prompting her classmates to confront the guard, which quickly spiralled into running battles with local residents of Jobra.

The clashes, which began on Saturday night and continued throughout Sunday, involved students, villagers, members of the proctorial body, and even the vice-chancellor. University authorities reported the involvement of Chhatra League and Jubo League members in the violence. Students also claimed that “outsiders” joined the attacks and that sharp weapons were used.

By Sunday, more than 150 people—mostly students—had been treated at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), with two admitted to the ICU. Section 144 was imposed in and around the campus, and classes and exams were suspended for a second consecutive day.

According to students, villagers first attacked them on Saturday night. When students returned to Gate No. 2 on Sunday morning, villagers reportedly assaulted them again. Locals, meanwhile, accused students of initiating the conflict, claiming brickbats were first thrown from the campus side.

Hathazari Upazila chief executive said on Sunday night, “The situation at the university is now calm. Army personnel and other law-enforcing agencies are patrolling several points.”

The violence reportedly began around 11pm on Saturday when the female student, finding her building gate locked, called the guard. A verbal altercation ensued, during which the guard allegedly insulted and slapped her. Her classmates arrived and were confronted by locals supporting the guard, sparking a physical clash involving brickbats, sticks, and rods. Locals reportedly used a microphone to mobilise more people, and sharp weapons were allegedly used.

CU Proctor Tanvir Md Hayder Arif reported on Facebook that numerous students, proctorial staff, and security personnel were injured, and vehicles belonging to the university, police, and proctorial body were vandalised. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Kamal Uddin said Army personnel arrived around 3:30am due to inadequate police presence, restoring partial order.

Violence flared again on Sunday when locals allegedly blocked roads, trapping students. Groups of students gathered around noon, leading to renewed clashes in which Deputy Vice-Chancellor Kamal Ahmed and university officials were injured. Social media footage showed a man firing a gun and another attacking a student with a sharp weapon.

Section 144 restrictions banned all assemblies, rallies, and gatherings until midnight on Monday. By Sunday evening, over 150 people had received medical treatment at CMCH, Parkview Hospital, and National Hospital, with two students still in ICU. Injuries primarily affected the head, hands, and feet.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Kamal Uddin accused top Chhatra League members of actively participating in attacks on students, while Registrar Saiful Islam condemned the initial assault on the female student, saying, “Hanif and his group of Chhatra League and Jubo League members have gathered and are attempting to destabilise the situation.”

The clashes have exposed deep tensions between students and local residents, highlighting concerns over campus security, governance, and the role of politically affiliated student organisations.