Editorial
BCL infighting taking a murderous turn
Will the ruling party move to protect its credibility?
THE Chhatra League's criminal activities which have already crossed a critical threshold are taking a newer dip with each passing day. Since the coming into power of the present government this student wing of the Awami League has often gone berserk in materialising its desires and demands. Deaths, injury and destruction were left in their wake to paint a sordid picture of what they are capable of. But, to our profound concern, no one in the government or the Awami League seems to be aware of the damage these elements are still causing to the credibility of the government and the country as well. We wonder when the prime minister will wake up, take full cognisance of the impact of such incidents on her own image, and act decisively.
In the latest turn of events the convener of the Jessore sadar upazila unit Chhatra League, Ripon Hossain alias Dada, was hacked to death, allegedly by armed activists of a rival group of the same organisation. The atrocious incident took place a day after the suspension of the district council of the organisation following a factional fight. The deceased leader was a candidate for the post of general secretary of the district unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League. Reportedly, the clash left at least 20 BCL men injured who have been blaming one another for the suspension of the council. There are allegations that such infights are the doings of a section of politicians in the Upazila Parishad and those associated with a member of parliament.
The premeditated murder in Jessore warranted immediate reaction and response from the Awami League high command, including the prime minister herself. But we have yet to hear from them. In the past also she was urged by the saner quarters to take stern action against criminal elements in Chhatra League but nothing materialised.
It goes without saying that the answer to stopping such acts of political murders lies in taking strong and exemplary action as per the laws of the land if we want to arrest the deteriorating situation in student politics. Therefore, the murder has to be treated as a gross criminal offence and must be investigated by the police without any fear or favour. The criminals involved in the homicide must be brought before a court of law, tried and given punishment. We once again urge the prime minister to come forward and deal with the matter with an iron hand so that she may engage herself in more important nation building matters and some of the good work she has done is not spoiled.
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