Various factions of the Chittagong University (CU) unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) reportedly locked into clashes on the campus at least 53 times since the Awami League government assumed office in 2009.

One BCL activist was killed and at least 222 others were injured in those clashes, according to reports in national and local newspapers.

Also, students had to bear the brunt as their academic activities were hampered numerous times due to the fights.

Though BCL central executive committee dissolved the CU unit and suspended its organisational activities several times due to the repeated clashes, the scenario has remained unchanged, said many students seeking anonymity.

In their efforts to prevent clash among BCL men, the university authorities even built a wall in between Shahjalal and Shah Amanat halls in 2015. The two dormitories house leaders and activists of major BCL factions.

But their efforts seem to have gone in vain as the factions continue to lock into clashes over establishing supremacy on the campus, said students.

Even, top Awami League leader Obaidul Quader on December 25, 2016 at a meeting in Chittagong asked the factions to remain united for the sake of the party.

Contacted, CU Assistant Proctor Litan Mitra said, “We have taken many effective steps to reduce violence. Police remain alert to avert any untoward incident on the campus. We also conduct raids at the halls.”

Meanwhile, some senior BCL leaders of the CU unit held junior activists responsible for most of the factional brawls.

“They start fighting over trifle matters and do not follow the command of senior leaders,” said a senior BCL leader.

When asked, former CU unit BCL general secretary Fazle Rabby said, “We could not prepare a proper work plan for our activists. As a result, they think whatever they are doing is part of the organisational task.”

Utilising the opportunity, intruders are instigating the activists, he alleged.