Clashes, chases, and counter-chases broke out overnight between the students of Daffodil International University (DIU) and City University over a trivial incident in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka.

At least three City University buses were set on fire and many others vandalised.

The authorities of both universities said that at least 200 students from the two institutions were injured in the clashes in Khagan area of Ashulia last night.

According to students, several City University students were sitting beside the rented accommodation of DIU students, known as Bachelor Paradise Hostel. When one of the City University students spat, it accidentally hit a Daffodil University student who was passing by on a motorcycle. This led to an argument between the two groups.

Later, around 9:00pm, about 50 City University students attacked and vandalised the rented house of Daffodil students. As videos of the incident went viral on social media, DIU students gathered at the scene. At one stage, they moved towards City University.

During this time, brickbats were thrown, and a chase took place between the two sides. Members of DIU's proctorial team then arrived at the scene. They informed the City University administration about the matter and urged them to take steps to resolve the issue.

Meanwhile, City University students allegedly beat up a DIU student at a separate location adjacent to their campus. In response, DIU students entered the City University premises. At that time, they set fire to three university buses and a private car parked on the campus. In addition, a bus, two private cars, a motorcycle, and parts of the administrative building were vandalised.

Members of police, army and Rab later reached the scene and brought the situation under control.

Helal Uddin, officer-in-charge (operations) of Savar Model Police Station, told this morning that the situation was now under control. "No case has been filed in connection with the incident, and no arrests have been made," he said.

Syed Mizanur Rahman, director of external affairs at DIU, said, "The matter [spit incident] was resolved after an apology was offered. But later that night, they came and vandalised the mess of Daffodil students. Students of both universities are our children. We are trying to resolve the matter," he said.

Daffodil University Proctor Sheikh Muhammad Aliar said, "Nine of our students are still confined on the City University campus. We are trying to resolve the issue. More than 150 of our students were injured in the incident."

City University Proctor Professor Abu Zayed said, "We are still not sure how the incident started. It can't be that the campus was set on fire over a simple fight between students. It was planned. The number of our injured students may exceed fifty."

Yusuf Ali, duty manager of Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar, said twelve students from both universities had been admitted. "All have been placed in the general ward. Treatment is underway," he added.

FP/MI