A tense situation has unfolded at the historic Jamia Faizur Rahman Bor Mosque Madrasa in the Boro Bazar area of Mymensingh city. The clash between two student groups turned violent on Monday night, leaving a teacher of the Hifz department, known as Shahid Huzur, injured. A case has been filed against the madrasa students in connection with the incident. Following the clash, RAB and police forces were deployed on the madrasa premises overnight.
To quell the unrest, the District Administration ordered the institution to remain closed starting Tuesday. However, students defied the closure order.
A counter-notice, bearing the signature of the Muhtamim (Principal), was circulated. It stated that all academic activities would continue as usual from Tuesday, citing the second-term examinations and the overall situation. It instructed all students to be present at the madrasa. Following this announcement, students remained on the premises on Tuesday, and academic activities proceeded. The students have also demanded the resignation of the committee chairman, District Administrator Mufidul Alam.
Sources indicate the conflict originated from allegations of moral and financial misconduct raised against teacher Azizul Haq on October 27 last year. An investigation was subsequently launched by the administration regarding the matter. The issue led to the formation of two rival factions within the madrasa, and tensions between these groups had been simmering for several months.
The current flare-up occurred on Monday night after the Isha prayers, following a meeting between both factions and the administration. It was during this altercation that one person was injured.
Protesting students held a gathering in the madrasa area in the afternoon. Azizul Haq, a student of the Kitab department, addressed the crowd, stating that the District Administrator had failed to understand the students' sentiments and to punish the guilty, hence their demand for his resignation.
The District Administration stated that it was regrettable that the clash and injury occurred after a peaceful resolution had seemingly been reached through discussions with both parties. Therefore, considering the law and order situation, a general holiday was declared from 10 PM Monday until further notice.
Commenting on the issue, Ali Yusuf, Secretary of the Mymensingh Metropolitan branch of Sujon (Citizens for Good Governance), said the problem is essentially personal and familial. He warned that the issue is escalating beyond the institution, fostering social unrest and animosity, and emphasized that social and administrative strictness is essential to resolve the existing problem.
