We are outraged by the display of hooliganism and intimidation by a group of students largely made up of activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League at Dhaka University campus on Monday.
A peaceful public demonstration in protest at criminality by four students at the university last week, was forcefully disrupted by the disgraceful behaviour of these students.
Police and university officials were unable to protect members of the citizens group, which had secured advance permission from the authorities to demonstrate at the Shaheed Minar platform, from being intimidated and driven away by the mob.
It is appalling that authorities seem so helpless against the shameless and despicable acts of these students. Even though the four culprits have already been censured, it is clear that the message of their criminality has not percolated through to the rest of their cohorts, who are still able to run roughshod over the law and undermine the peace of the university area.
There is no excuse for criminality by BCL or any other student or political group. The impunity with which a small number of criminals can dominate BCL and instigate violent actions must be ended.
It is nothing short of a national embarrassment that Dhaka University, the country’s top institution of higher education, has become a hub for violence and intimidation by thuggish elements who shame the political party in whose name they claim to act.
It is too late for simple reprimands. BCL has been given too many free passes already. Authorities and law enforcers must take strong action to bring culprits before the law and root out criminality once and for all, from campuses.
The reputation of the ruling party is at stake if such actions are permitted to continue unchecked.
