Authorities have imposed Section 144 in Chattogram’s Hathazari upazila and its adjoining areas after clashes broke out between local residents and students of Chattogram University (CU). The decision was taken on Sunday following a series of confrontations that escalated near the university’s Gate No. 2, creating a tense atmosphere and raising concerns over law and order.

According to the upazila administration, the restriction will remain in effect from 3:00 pm on Sunday until 3:00 pm on Monday. During this period, public gatherings, processions, rallies, and any kind of assembly will be prohibited within the jurisdiction of Hathazari municipality and a 10-kilometer radius surrounding the university campus. Officials said the measure was necessary to restore calm and prevent further violence.

The clashes erupted earlier in the day when groups of students and locals engaged in a series of confrontations. Witnesses reported that multiple rounds of scuffles took place, causing disruptions in and around the campus. The situation escalated quickly, prompting intervention from law enforcement agencies. Local police, along with administrative officials, rushed to the scene to contain the unrest before it spiraled out of control.

Students alleged that provocations from outsiders triggered the violence, while locals countered with claims of harassment and misconduct by some students. The conflicting accounts have deepened tensions between the two groups, leading to heightened security concerns in the university’s vicinity.

In response, the Hathazari upazila administration convened an emergency meeting and decided to enforce Section 144 as a preventive step. Officials explained that the temporary restrictions are aimed at curbing gatherings that could potentially fuel fresh confrontations. “The situation demanded immediate action to maintain peace. Section 144 is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both residents and students,” an administrative officer said.

The imposition of Section 144 is not new in the area, as previous incidents of clashes between locals and students have also prompted similar actions in the past. However, the frequency of such tensions has raised concerns about underlying issues that remain unresolved. Residents have often complained about misconduct and a lack of discipline among students, while the campus community has expressed frustration over what they describe as unwarranted interference from outsiders.

The university authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, campus insiders revealed that emergency discussions are underway to assess the situation and to work in coordination with the local administration. Security on campus has been tightened, with additional police deployed at key entry points to prevent further escalation.

For students, the incident has sparked fresh anxieties about their safety. Many expressed fear that the confrontations could disrupt academic activities and create an environment of uncertainty. “We came here to study, not to be caught in constant clashes. These incidents are disturbing and make it difficult to focus on education,” said a student from the campus.

On the other hand, local residents voiced frustration, saying they are often painted as aggressors despite facing harassment themselves. Some community members insisted that the tensions stem from a lack of communication and mutual respect between students and locals. “We want peace. But peace is only possible if both sides understand their responsibilities,” a resident remarked.

Law enforcement officials assured that the situation is under control and that strict monitoring will continue until stability is restored. Police patrols have been increased in and around Hathazari to prevent any untoward incident during the enforcement of Section 144.

The latest development highlights ongoing frictions between Chattogram University and its surrounding communities. Observers say that unless long-term measures are taken to address the grievances of both sides, the area may continue to witness cycles of confrontation and administrative crackdowns. For now, the imposition of Section 144 serves as a short-term response, intended to create a cooling-off period and to give authorities space to restore order.

As the restrictions remain in place until Monday afternoon, both students and residents await clarity on how the authorities plan to address the deeper issues that fuel such recurring unrest. Whether the situation de-escalates peacefully or reignites after the restrictions are lifted will depend on the willingness of all parties to seek dialogue and compromise.