Kayes, treasurer of the Jagannath University Press Club and a reporter for Ajkaler Khobor, was injured while covering clashes between activists of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir on the university campus. The incident occurred during chases and counter-chases that had continued from the morning on Tuesday, August 4. Fellow students and colleagues rescued him and arranged initial treatment.

Witnesses said Kayes was gathering news as part of his professional duty when he was caught amid the confrontation and attacks by the two sides. Kayes alleged that a Chhatra Dal member called him over and beat him during the Chhatra Dal-Chhatra Shibir fighting. He said his only fault was covering the news and alleged that he was severely beaten and struck on the head.

Members of the university Press Club strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep concern. They said attacks on journalists engaged in news gathering were unacceptable, demanded journalists' safety, and called for those involved to be quickly identified and dealt with. Kayes was admitted to hospital after the injury and later taken to Mitford, where a doctor directed that he be admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He remains seriously injured.