Section 144 restrictions were imposed at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur on 4 August amid tension over rival programmes by Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir.

The measure took effect at about 11am, the university administration said.

University Proctor Ferdous Rahman submitted a written request to Tajhat police seeking the restrictions to protect public order and the academic environment.

Both groups had called protests and rallies for the same time on 4 August, creating concern about another confrontation.

The restrictions followed clashes on 3 August in which at least 20 people were reported injured.

A university letter said five students were seriously injured and were receiving treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

The dispute began around an exhibition linked to the July uprising at the university’s Independence Memorial area.

One banner displayed photographs of several political figures alongside wording describing them as victims of judicial killing.

Chhatra Dal leader Yamin alleged that the banner included images of several Jamaat leaders convicted of war crimes and said his group had asked for it to be removed.

Islami Chhatra Shibir university president Abdur Rakib said the exhibition had administrative permission and alleged that Chhatra Dal activists attacked to disrupt it.

Yamin, in turn, alleged that Shibir activists attacked after the demand to remove the banner; the competing claims do not establish who started the violence.

The proctor said video footage was being reviewed to identify those involved and that administrative action would be taken after an inquiry.

The university administration also formed a three-member investigation committee and barred outsiders from entering the campus until further notice.