The Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB) has condemned the acts of sabotage, destruction of state property, and incidents of violence across the country that began surrounding the quota reform movement.
Simultaneously, the association mourned the loss of lives during the nationwide unrest.
The APUB also welcomed steps to bring perpetrators under the law to ensure the safety of students and the general public.
In an emergency meeting of the executive committee held on Saturday, under the chairmanship of Sheikh Kabir Hossain, president of APUB, the proposal of condolence and condemnation was adopted, says a media statement.
According to the statement signed by APUB Secretary General Dr Kazi Anis Ahmed, the meeting on Saturday praised the government issuing a gazette notification as per the demands of the students, the formation of a judicial inquiry commission into the incidents of loss of life, and the government's initiative to provide medical assistance to injured students and compensation.
Additionally, students were urged to leave their mess or hostel and stay at their family residences for their own safety during the campus closure, without paying heed to rumors.
The association further said that parents, teachers, and education enthusiasts will always stand by the students to address their reasonable demands or problems.
“It is crucial for students to grow into complete individuals through appropriate education to combat violence. In this regard, they must uphold the spirit and values of the independence achieved through the blood of three million martyrs,” the statement said.
Strengthening campus counseling for students and raising awareness among guardians is essential to prevent a recurrence of violent incidents. In this context, the university vice-chancellors and teachers at all levels were requested to play their proper roles, it added.