JUST Correspondent: Md. Habib Ullah

Tensions erupted at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) on Sunday (October 11) following a dispute among students, with allegations of physical assault, a protest in front of a dormitory, and a road blockade near the university’s main gate. The incidents unfolded in several phases from noon to late afternoon. The situation was brought under control after the university administration mediated a settlement between the students involved, according to the university’s proctor.

According to accounts provided by the students concerned, the dispute originated at a tea stall over smoking. Partha, a student of the Finance and Banking Department from the 2023–24 academic session, reportedly had a verbal altercation with Tasnim, a student of the same department from the 2025–26 session. Ahad, a student of the Food Engineering Department from the 2020–21 session, was also present at the scene. Accounts from those involved indicate that Tasnim sought Partha’s permission to smoke a bidi, but he did not agree. A subsequent discussion took place between Ahad and Partha over the matter. The disagreement reportedly escalated when the conversation shifted to Partha’s departmental identity, drawing other students into the dispute.

Tensions subsequently intensified across the campus. According to allegations made by those concerned, at around 3:00 pm, a group of students from the Marketing Department went towards the dormitory intending to assault the students involved in the earlier dispute. To prevent further escalation, JUST Proctor Dr. Md. Hamidur Rahman, Director of the Office of Student Counselling and Guidance Dr. Md. Rafiul Hasan, and the provost of the dormitory, Professor Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf Sarker, arrived at the dormitory gate. They attempted to contain the situation by keeping the gate closed. Meanwhile, students gathered and staged a protest in front of the dormitory.

At around 4:00 pm, students blocked the road adjacent to the university’s main gate and chanted slogans against the university administration. The blockade disrupted regular university bus services. According to those concerned, buses scheduled to operate around 4:00 pm remained stranded for approximately an hour.

The university administration subsequently initiated discussions with the students involved to resolve the dispute. The administration stated that the matter was settled through discussions mediated by the proctor and other university officials.

Commenting on the incident, JUST Proctor Dr. Md. Hamidur Rahman said that discussions had been held with the relevant parties in the presence of senior students regarding the undesirable incident on campus. He added that the student concerned had been called in and the matter had been resolved with the assistance of senior students. The university is also undertaking various initiatives to promote discipline and mutual respect among students to prevent similar incidents in the future, he said.

Meanwhile, the university’s Office of Student Counselling and Guidance issued an urgent directive calling on students to uphold mutual respect, cordial relations, proper conduct, and harmony. Signed on October 11, the directive urged senior students to treat newcomers with affection, patience, and cooperation. It also stressed the importance of ensuring that junior students behave respectfully and responsibly towards their seniors.

The directive instructed all students to refrain from insulting remarks, discourteous behaviour, provocative activities, and actions that could create undesirable situations. In the event of misunderstandings or disputes between senior and junior students, they were advised not to attempt to resolve the matter individually or collectively. Instead, they were instructed to seek assistance from the relevant departmental chairperson, dormitory provost, Office of Student Counselling and Guidance, or other appropriate university authorities. The directive further stated that allegations of violations of university rules and regulations would be addressed through the appropriate authorities.

Repeated attempts were made to contact Partha, the student reportedly involved in the initial dispute, to obtain his version of events. However, he could not be reached for comment.