We came to study, not to suffer: stories of trauma, torture, and political violence in Bangladeshi universities

Universities in Bangladesh, historically sites of critical engagement, have increasingly become arenas of political contestation and violence. This study examines the lived experiences of students exposed to political violence associated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in public universities. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, it engaged 44 participants through purposive and snowball sampling, drawing on 30 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions (14 participants), and analyzed the data via thematic analysis supported by NVivo 12. Findings reveal four interrelated dimensions of impact. Physically, students suffered long-term injuries and barriers to medical care. Emotionally and psychologically, they reported recurring fear, anxiety, and prolonged stress. Economically, they faced debt, disrupted education, and restricted employment. Socially, they experienced stigmatization, wrongful detention, and strained family and social relationships. Gendered variations emerged: female participants reported sexualized threats, while male participants described stigma tied to masculine social expectations. Institutional responses frequently failed to prevent or address violence, contributing to its normalization on campus. These dynamics, shaped by organizational influence and patronage structures, have sustained violence in higher education. The study underscores the need for institutional accountability, stronger student protections, and support systems to address the longer-term consequences of campus political violence.