Clashes that began at Jagannath University on August 4 during an event involving the University Grants Commission chairman spilled into nearby Dhaka National Medical College Hospital. After people injured on campus were taken for treatment, activists from Kabi Nazrul Government College Chhatra Dal and Jagannath University Chhatra Shibir engaged in clashes, counter-chases and attacks. The violence caused panic across the hospital area and reportedly temporarily disrupted treatment for patients.

Witnesses and university sources said JAKSU representatives tried to enter the event carrying placards demanding faster handover of work on the second campus to the army, an interim housing project in Keraniganj, and improvements to the medical centre. They were stopped from entering, triggering tensions involving Chhatra Dal, JAKSU, Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Shakti and other groups. Arguments, torn placards and scuffles developed into repeated clashes.

Several JAKSU leaders, Chhatra Shakti leaders, activists from student groups and journalists were reported injured. Witnesses alleged that injured people seeking treatment were attacked by opponents at the hospital, where some general patients were also reportedly hurt. Additional police were deployed at the campus and hospital. JAKSU and several student organisations demanded arrests, while Chhatra Dal made counter-allegations.