A confrontation over the harassment of a female student at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has erupted into a full-scale clash between students and local villagers, leaving at least 25 students injured.

The incident began when a female student from the chemical engineering department visited a mobile phone shop at Ambattola market for a project and was reportedly harassed by the shop owner on Tuesday.

Informing her classmates, several students went to the shop to protest. A scuffle ensued when they allegedly assaulted the shopkeeper, prompting other local traders and villagers to attack the students.

Chasing, stone-throwing, and street blockades turned the university campus into a chaotic arena as villagers set fire to collected materials on the roads, while the university’s proctorial team, led by Proctor Md Omar Faruque, attempted unsuccessfully to control the situation.

“Several students were injured in the clash. Some students trapped the vice-chancellor at night,” he said.

Frustrated by the delayed arrival of police and Army personnel, students voiced anger at the university administration.

Senior officials, including the Vice-Chancellor Abdul Majid, treasurer, and the proctorial team, negotiated with both parties. Law enforcers eventually restored order around 9pm.

Later, the VC, treasurer, and other officials visited injured students at the medical centre, where enraged students briefly confined them, demanding the resignations of the administration. At the time of reporting, the officials remained trapped.