Allegations of attack on Jagannath University Chhatra Shakti leaders and activists for asking to stop music during azan

On Saturday (14 November) around 7 pm, the incident took place at an event of the Economics Department Alumni Association on the university campus. Eyewitnesses said that during the cultural segment of the day-long event, songs were being played loudly on sound boxes at the venue while the Isha azan was being called. As the university's central mosque is close to the venue, Chhatra Shakti leaders and activists requested that music be stopped during the azan. This led to a verbal altercation with several people; at one stage, pushing and scuffles occurred between both sides. The organization claims that several Chhatra Shakti leaders and activists were injured.

JnU Chhatra Shakti President Shahin Mia said, ‘When the azan was being called on campus, DJ music was being played loudly at the Economics Alumni Association event. On one hand the azan was being called, and on the other loud music was playing — the matter did not seem normal to us. So we told them to stop the music. But at this time, several people led by the Alumni Association and some former leaders of Chhatra Dal and some leaders of Juba Dal attacked us.’ He further said that the attack was carried out under the leadership of a former Chhatra Dal leader; General Secretary Ferdous Sheikh was injured in the hand and ear, and several others were injured.

Meanwhile, allegations have been raised against a person named Mohsin that he snatched the mobile phone of Abu Sayem, a member of the JnU Reporters Unit, when the latter tried to record video of the incident. Later, he admitted his mistake and apologized. In protest against the incident, around 9:30 pm, Chhatra Shakti leaders and activists held a protest procession and human chain on the university campus; they demanded a proper investigation into the incident and action against those involved.

In this regard, University Proctor Professor Dr. Nasir Ahmed said, ‘We have heard that this attack occurred because they asked to stop the sound box during the azan. We have spoken to both sides. The situation is currently under control.’ Despite repeated attempts to contact the president and general secretary of the Economics Department Alumni Association by mobile phone for comments on the matter, they could not be reached.