Dastardly attack on CU teachers

WE condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack on 15 teachers of Chittagong University that left some in critical condition. Let there be no confusion that the attack on the buses were premeditated by Shibir activists. Although the university has a history of violence, this is the first time we are witnessing an attack on the faculty by a student wing of a political party. Again it has become a culture in our country for political parties and their student wings to create mayhem the day before a strike, how so ever charged may be the political climate, university teachers were shown deference they rightfully deserve by students. That appears to be no longer the case.

We are appalled that the incident has taken place at all. For a great many years violent student politics has been tolerated and even encouraged which gave them carte blanche to act with impunity. The incident of attacking two buses loaded with teachers has merely degenerated this culture to a new abyss of horrid behaviour that reflects to what a new low our so-called students have touched. Another recent event occurred in the same city where the Chittagong railway station came under attack by Bangladesh Chattra League students. Not only did authorities fail to take any action against the perpetrators, the station master and five others were transferred in the process. It is high time that those students who are also party activists be brought to book. No laxity in this regard can be brooked.