A report claiming that over fifty individuals, including Sadik Kayem, were injured in a clash between Chhatra Dal and Shibir during the DUCSU election has been widely circulated on social media. Many have shared a video alongside this claim. However, an investigation reveals that the video originates from an unrelated and older incident. Moreover, no credible media outlet has reported any news of Sadik Kayem, vice-presidential candidate from the 'Combined Student Alliance,' being injured. Based on this verification, FactWatch categorically deems the circulated reports as false.

The video in question, lasting two minutes and one second, begins with scenes of a clash in front of the High Court in Dhaka. A few seconds later, a presenter from the set of Jamuna Television appears on screen, stating that there has been a clash involving Chhatra Dal, and that supporters of Chhatra Dal and Shibir came face to face, eventually engaging in violence.

While the presenter speaks, scenes of clashes continue to play. Shortly after, SM Farhad, a candidate for the General Secretary position in DUCSU, is seen standing near a partially closed door, visibly frustrated at an unauthorized entry attempt. In the next few seconds, footage again shows chase-and-counter-chase scenes near the High Court area. During this time, SM Farhad is once again shown speaking to reporters on an unspecified matter.

Reverse image search of the clash footage from the High Court area identified the original incident. The footage was first uploaded on May 26, 2022, on the Benarnews Bengali YouTube channel under the title "Chhatra League-Chhatra Dal Clash in Dhaka." A 35-second portion of that video has been reused multiple times in the two-minute-one-second video currently being circulated.

Keyword searches confirm that the original clash took place on Thursday, May 26, 2022, around 12 PM. A report published in Ajker Patrika stated that “the clash began when Chhatra Dal activists gathered in front of the High Court and Chhatra League activists gathered near Curzon Hall. Both sides engaged in stone-throwing and chase-and-counter-chase. Members from both groups were seen wielding sticks, hockey sticks, and iron rods.”

The source video showing SM Farhad speaking has not been identified. However, on September 9, the day of the DUCSU election, he was seen in the same attire at the polling grounds, confirming that those specific scenes were indeed from the day of the election.

This establishes that the old video footage from three years ago, unrelated to the DUCSU election, has been misleadingly mixed with recent clips to portray it as a current event during the election.

The DUCSU election voting took place on September 9. Analysis of events on the day shows that although various candidates alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct and criticized the passive role of the administration, there were no reports or complaints of clashes or violence. Therefore, the claim that over fifty people were injured is entirely baseless.

Abu Sadik (Kayem), the vice-presidential candidate in the DUCSU election, has been seen active on his verified Facebook page. Additionally, he appeared on camera in several media outlets on the day of the election. This confirms that he was not injured and is in good health.

In conclusion, based on the overall investigation, FactWatch confirms that the Facebook posts spreading these claims are false.

Source: https://www.fact-watch.org/ducsu_election_and_abu_shadik/