Photo : Messenger
We have been watching with great trepidation the deteriorating situation on campuses of various academic institutes, with a large number of students creating blockades on the main thoroughfares of the metropolis. The capital city came to a standstill every day, especially during the last 3 to 4 days, with students sitting on the major intersections.
The situation really turned bloody on Monday when some students, allegedly belonging to Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) wearing crash helmets, attacked the protesting students with rods and sticks. We express our concern that the ensuing skirmish left many male and female students injured, some of whom had to be taken to hospitals for immediate treatment. It has been alleged by the protesting students that some outsiders had also joined the BCL cadres and beat them up. Like the previous days, general students came out on the streets to demand removal of all kinds of reserved quota from the government service domain.
Meanwhile, we express our deepest concern at the news that frequent explosions of crude bombs have been reported in front of DU’s Dr.
Muhammad Shahidullah Hall. This has led to renewed tensions on the campus as chasing of one another has been going on since morning. It has been reported that BCL activists from various halls had taken up positions on the main roads with sticks. However, the individuals responsible for the bomb explosions could not be identified or apprehended by the law enforcers.
Some general students told the media that despite the chaotic situation across the campus, no responsible officials, faculty members, or law enforcement officers were seen on the spot.
It however comes as good news that an emergency meeting is now being held at the residence of the DU Vice Chancellor in a bid to search for a solution to the ongoing turmoil on various campuses. We welcome this initiative as the right step taken by the authority. All the warring parties must throw away their stones and rods and sticks and sit at the negotiating table to thrash out the differences. The agitating students should be given the opportunity to express their grievances, and the government delegates should lend a patient ear to them. Strike a deal. Find a solution.
We do not want to see blood on the sacred precincts of our campuses ever again.
Messenger/Disha
