JCD activists attack journalists and DUCSU leaders at Shahbagh Police Station

Activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) allegedly assaulted campus journalists and DUCSU leaders at Shahbagh Police Station on Thursday evening.

The violence left at least ten members of the Dhaka University Journalists' Association (DUJA) injured with police reportedly failing to intervene.

The unrest began over a viral screenshot of a Facebook post attributed to Abdullah Al Mahmud student of Salimullah Muslim Hall. The post allegedly contained derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman.

Despite Abdullah’s denial and a report from fact-checking site Rumor Scanner confirming the image was an AI-generated fake, JCD activists continued to issue online threats. Investigations suggest the fake image may have been circulated by accounts linked to the Awami League/Chhatra League to incite conflict between the BNP’s student wing and other campus groups.

The situation turned physical when Abdullah went to Shahbagh Police Station to file a General Diary (GD) for protection. JCD activists surrounded the station to file a counter-case. When journalists arrived to cover the scene they were met with hostility.

Eyewitnesses reported that JCD members obstructed reporters from filming, chanting "Shibir and journalists do not go together." DUJA President Manjur Hossain Mahi was among those pushed out of the station. A secondary attack was reportedly led by Abujar Gifari Efat a JCD leader from Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall.

Injured Journalists are Mohammad Iftekhar Hossain Sifat (Dhaka Mail), sustained serious eye and facial injuries; treated at DU Medical Centre. Manjur Hossain Mahi (Kaler Kantho), Khalid Hasan (Desh Rupantor), Liton Islam (Agamira Somoy), Samsuddoza Nabab (Dhaka Tribune) and others.

DUCSU secretaries A. B. Zubair and Musaddiq Ali also sustained minor head injuries during the scuffle.

Central Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir stated he is looking into the matter. Meanwhile, Dhaka University authorities have taken a cautious stance:

A three-member committee headed by Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, has been formed to investigate the Facebook post. Abdullah has been served a show-cause notice to respond within 24 hours. A six-member committee led by Assistant Proctor Professor Mahbub Kaiser will investigate the assault at the police station, with a report due in three working days.

The university administration has urged all students to remain calm and warned against taking the law into their own hands.