The City University students blocked a major road in Savar on Saturday, demanding formal apology and accountability from Daffodil International University over the last week鈥檚 violent clashes that left their campus vandalised.
Hundreds of students gathered in front of the university鈥檚 Khagan campus in Birulia on Saturday morning, forming a human chain to press home a six-point demand.
Around noon, they occupied the Savar-Ashulia road at the Khagan intersection, halting vehicular movement for nearly two hours.
Their demands include Daffodil University鈥檚 public admission of responsibility for the violence, payment of damages and punishment for those involved.
鈥楾he Daffodil University authorities must take full responsibility for the arson, looting and false narratives spread after the incident,鈥� said protester Polash Sarkar Shuvo.
Another student, Kazi Saifun Nabi, added, 鈥榃e also demand medical expenses for the injured, repair of damaged campus property, and permanent expulsion of those found guilty through a fair investigation.鈥�
The protesters also called for the removal of Private Universities Students Association of Bangladesh president Sabur Khan, accusing him of bias and silence over the attack.
They further demanded an independent probe into the alleged inaction of the police, claiming that law enforcement had failed to respond despite repeated calls for help during the clashes.
The protesting students also displayed videos of the attack and urged the University Grants Commission to intervene to restore a safe learning environment across private universities.
The blockade was withdrawn at around 2:00pm, with students warning of tougher demonstrations if their demands were not met.
The violent confrontation erupted on October 26 evening after a row near the Paradise Bachelor Hostel, where a City University student allegedly spat on a Daffodil University student.
The altercation escalated when City University students reportedly attacked the hostel with sticks and bricks.
Later that night, Daffodil students allegedly stormed the City University campus, setting fire to three buses and a private car and vandalising offices and classrooms.
No fatalities were reported, though more than 200 students from both universities were injured, and City University suffered extensive property damage.
Separate investigations by the UGC and police are currently under way.
Daffodil International University proctor Shaikh Muhammad Allayear said that their administration would act based on the findings and recommendations of the UGC-led investigation.
鈥楢s the Daffodil University administration has concerns over the one-sided claims of City University, we expect the probe will also address issues, such as the forced statements, brutal assault on our students, and their unlawful confinement,鈥� Allayear said.
Meanwhile, Daffodil University authorities resumed midterm examinations on Saturday, while City University announced that academic and administrative operations would resume on November 5 following repairs and safety assessments.
