Campus violence and police
I was watching the Bangladeshi television channel sitting at my home in UK. The news about BCL students clashing at Surya Sen Hall at Dhaka University particularly got my attention.
When I was a student of Dhaka College more than two decades ago, the college was unquestionably the best college in Bangladesh and I was proud to flash the blue identity card of my college. I am sure that the standard of that college has slipped probably irreversibly.
And I do remember that during my tenure at Dhaka University, I did have the pleasure of having acquaintance with now IG of police. I am sure that he does, like I do, remember that we had to go through hell amidst the gun-fights amongst political wings of the mainstream political parties. Many bright students lost their lives in these battles and many of the instigators of these political fights are now leading politicians of the country. Amazing, Selucas!
But what was shocking about the report on television on 6 August was the silence of the police authorities. It was nice to know that Dhaka University would form an enquiry committee to investigate the incident to expel the students but we must not forget that Dhaka University is not outside Bangladesh and the police has the right and responsibility to investigate such criminal activities.
Only an exemplary punishment following a full and required trial at the Court of Law as per Bangladesh Penal Code and Bangladesh Criminal Procedure Code would caution the future troublemakers against any repetition of such criminal activities.
I, like many, would follow this incident as an example closely even from abroad and will hold the present government and the law enforcing agencies accountable for not taking serious actions against such persistent criminality. This is my right as a democratic man. History never forgives anyone and we cannot allow the continuing erosion of the standard of Dhaka University as that is part of our pride. We have already lost Dhaka College in this process as to their standard.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments