Dhaka, Jan 15 (V7N)- A violent clash between two student groups occurred in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon (January 15), leaving at least eight people injured, including a journalist. The injured individuals were promptly taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment.

The Incident

The altercation unfolded after a group called Students for Sovereignty had been demonstrating outside the NCTB since the morning. Tensions escalated when another group, representing "aggrieved tribal students and people," organized a procession near the same area.

Around 12 PM, the two groups clashed, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals. Among the injured were students from Dhaka University (DU), Jahangirnagar University (JU), and a journalist.

Injured Individuals

The injured have been identified as:

  1. Rupaiya Shrestha – Student of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University and executive committee member of the Student Movement Against Discrimination.
  2. Isaba – Anthropology student at Jahangirnagar University.
  3. Renyang – Affiliation unspecified.
  4. Dhanjetra – Affiliation unspecified.
  5. Shali – Master's student in Public Administration at Dhaka University.
  6. Donwai Mro – Student of Dhaka University.
  7. Tanichirang – Affiliation unspecified.
  8. Jewel Mar – Journalist from DBC News, aged 35.

Background of the Tension

The confrontation stems from recent actions by the NCTB, which removed the word "Adivasi" (Indigenous) from graffiti featured in a textbook. This decision came after the Students for Sovereignty group protested and surrounded the NCTB building. On Sunday night (January 12), the word was removed from the online version of the textbook.

In response, various hill organizations condemned the NCTB's move, expressing outrage and demanding justice for what they viewed as erasure of Indigenous identity from educational materials.

Current Situation

The incident has amplified existing tensions regarding representation and acknowledgment of Indigenous communities in Bangladesh. Both groups continue to stand firm on their positions, with calls for dialogue and intervention growing louder to prevent further unrest.

Law enforcement and administrative authorities are closely monitoring the situation to maintain order.

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