Dhaka University was thrown into turmoil on Wednesday night after miscreants hurled two crude bombs in the Student-Teacher Centre (TSC) area.

The explosions occurred around 9:30pm near the TSC intersection, injuring a pedestrian and causing property damage.

The injured, 48-year-old Jahangir Alam Chakladar, assistant director of the Madrasa Education Department and a resident of Sundarganj upazila in Gaibandha, was hit by a splinter in his back while returning home to Azimpur.

He is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. “On my way back through the TSC area, a cocktail suddenly exploded. I was injured by a splinter in my back,” Jahangir told reporters.

Inspector Md. Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH Police Camp, confirmed that the injuries were not serious and the victim was receiving first aid.

Eyewitnesses reported that the two cocktails exploded in front of a tea shop opposite the Suhrawardy Udyan gate adjacent to TSC around 9:21pm, damaging a nearby motorcycle.

The bike’s owner, Nazmus Shakib, said, “I was sitting nearby drinking tea when a cocktail came flying. Later, I saw that the bike’s oil tank had burst.”

There are conflicting accounts regarding the origin of the explosives. Some claim they were thrown from inside the garden, while others suggest they came from a moving motorcycle. 

University Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed stated, “It is believed that someone threw a cocktail from the Suhrawardy Udyan direction. A proctorial team has been deployed, and the police are conducting raids in the garden. CCTV footage is being verified.”

Following the explosions, students in TSC, Raju Memorial Sculpture, and surrounding areas staged protests. Slogans such as “Catch one league, put them in jail,” “We want justice for the killer league,” and “Beware of Chhatra League terrorists” echoed across the campus.

Abu Shadik Kayem, vice-president of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), who joined the protest, demanded the perpetrators be identified and arrested.

“I have asked the administration to take action after reviewing the CCTV footage. Students will take positions across the campus from tonight and resist any presence of the banned Chhatra League and Jubilee,” he said. 

Kayem also criticised the administration’s failure to prevent the attack despite prior police intelligence.

Tahmid Al Muddasis Chowdhury, president of the Dhaka University branch of the National Student Power, condemned the attack, calling it part of a broader conspiracy to create instability in the country ahead of the announcement of Sheikh Hasina’s death sentence on 13 November.

Students also raised concerns about lax security. One student noted, “Today, some unknown young men were checking cards at the Russell Tower gate. Normally, BNCC or scout members handle this duty. The presence of unknown individuals is very suspicious.”

Meanwhile, leaders and activists of the Dhaka University branch of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal held a protest march at the VC Chattar premises.

_{Photo: Chhatra Dal holds a protest march at the VC Chattar premises}

The attack occurred shortly before an exhibition, jointly organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, DUCSU, and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, showcased 12 documentaries at TSC. 

Presenter Riyadul Islam Jubah said, “During the programme, League terrorists exploded cocktails. Nevertheless, students remained present, and the programme was successfully completed.” 

DUCSU VP Shadik Kayem, Literature and Culture Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad, and student Ashiqur Rahman Affan delivered speeches reaffirming their commitment to hold perpetrators of the fallen fascist regime accountable and to create a fascism-free Bangladesh.