Campus violence betrays the July spirit

It is deeply disappointing to see an escalation of violent clashes between members of Jatiyabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir, making us apprehensive that the old days of regular campus violence during Sheikh Hasina’s regime have returned.

After a clash between JCD and Shibir members at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur left several injured the day before, violence spread to educational institutions in Dhaka and Barishal. So far, more than 90 people, including student leaders and journalists, have been injured at Begum Rokeya University, Jagannath University (JnU), Dhaka College, and Government Madrasah-e-Alia in Bakshibazar. Ironically, these clashes occurred during July uprising commemoration programmes.

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The video footage and images are evidence of the anarchic situation—activists wielding sharp weapons, iron rods, and bamboo sticks can be seen attacking each other with abandon, leaving ordinary students in fear and uncertainty about attending classes or taking exams.

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Architectural peacekeeping for violent campuses

The violence was worst at JnU, with around 70 people injured. The clashes started when representatives of JnU Central Students Union (JnUCSU) and members of Inquilab Mancha attempted to enter the university’s auditorium during a documentary screening. Their demands were all for better housing and medical facilities for the students. However, there was no good reason to interrupt the university's programme. JCD tried to keep them out, but why did it turn into a violent clash? It is unthinkable that the violence even spread to National Medical College Hospital, where injured students were receiving treatment. Student leaders, journalists, patients and attendants were injured.

Clearly, these groups affiliated with the two major parties—namely Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP—are not interested in education or improving campus life for all students. Rather, they are too immersed in turf battles and who will get “control” of the campus. During the July movement, one of the biggest triumphs of the general students at many universities, including Dhaka University, was to rid the campus of Chhatra League, which used to wield unfettered power and terrorised any student deemed to have crossed their path. Haven't Shibir and Chhatra Dal learnt anything from that bitter experience?

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Threats against journalists are condemnable

While members of both student fronts are solely responsible for their belligerent actions, their parent parties cannot absolve themselves of blame. Both Jamaat and the BNP must rein in their student organisations and make it known that violence will not be tolerated. The BNP, being the ruling party, must take all steps to maintain peace on campus. Jamaat must make sure its student wing members do not engage in provocative acts such as having banners that insult our Liberation War or witch hunts to catch “Chhatra League” members.

The respective administrations need to be in control and not act like passive spectators they were during the Awami League era. We expect strict administrative action against all those who have participated in this violence. Ordinary students must go back to their campuses free of fear and intimidation.