Pavipravi Representative:
Although politics is banned at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PUSTU), clashes broke out between two BNP groups following the arrival of BNP central vice-chairman and former home and commerce minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury. At least two people were reported injured in the incident.
The incident took place in front of Mukta Bangla, a branch of the Bangladesh University of Science and Technology (PUBIT), at 12 noon on Sunday (February 23).
Altaf Hossain Chowdhury arrived at the university on February 26 to hold a preparatory meeting with the administration on the occasion of the University Day celebration of the University of Bangladesh. His supporters Jasim Uddin Howlader, Ibrahim Khalil, and Matiur Rahman Dipu were invited to the arrival, but the clash broke out when Anwar Hossain Howlader's group was not invited. BNP Organizing Secretary Md. Ibrahim and member Matiur Rahman Dipu were injured. The injured were sent to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital after primary treatment at Dumki Upazila Health Complex.
In this regard, BNP leader Anwar Hossain Howlader said that the clashes occurred due to the lack of appreciation for the departed leaders.
Upazila BNP President Md. Khalilur Rahman said, "We, Upazila BNP, do not know anything about Altaf Hossain Chowdhury (BNP Vice Chairman)'s arrival in Dumki, that is, on the Pobiprobi campus."
Responding to a question about whether the clashes between outsiders inside the university were a manifestation of the university administration's weakness, Proctor Professor Abul Bashar Khan said, "What weakness! If I am attacked too, what is the administration to do? Will the administration keep me guarded all day long!"
When asked how he views the students' panicking due to the clashes, he said, "I have nothing to say about it."
PUBPRB Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Iktiar Uddin said, Altaf Hossain Chowdhury did not come to the campus as a political figure. He has been invited to the preparatory meeting for the founding anniversary of the university because of his contribution to the university and as a well-wisher of the university. However, if an unstable environment is created on the campus due to his presence, the administration will take action based on clear information, evidence and allegations.
It is worth noting that on August 13, following a student petition, an office order signed by the then Registrar Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan banned all forms of politics from PUBRI.
Abu Hasnat Tuhin
Paviprabi Representative
