Even teachers are not spared!

Why no action against the attackers?

We have, over the last few weeks witnessed the vicious attacks on students at Dhaka University and Rajshahi University by members of the student wing of the ruling party, attacks that left these students severely injured and then arrested by law enforcement agents. Meanwhile the attackers, the pictures of whom were published in various papers, have gone scot free. This time teachers taking part in a demonstration calling for a safe campus and immediate release of the detained students, have been assaulted – again by alleged members of Chhatra League. It seems these bullies will not stop at any level of indecency when it comes to attacking whoever they find voicing any kind of protest. What is worse is that no action from the authorities is taken against them even though they have clearly violated law.

The three teachers who were assaulted along with students on July 15, by BCL members were doing what is expected of teachers—standing by their students in their legitimate demand to want a campus free from violence and intimidation. But they were not spared and given the minimum courtesy due to a teacher. We must ask at this point, why no action has been taken against these attackers who it seems had planned their assault well in advance? Instead Dhaka university authorities have chided the teachers for taking part in the demonstrations. Where is the administrative support for teachers and students under physical assault?

Thirteen Supreme Court lawyers have sent notices to Dhaka University and Rajshahi University authorities demanding what action has been taken against the BCL men who had carried out previous attacks in those campuses. The inaction of the authorities of the universities has only encouraged the latest spate of violence by members of the same organisation.

The remarks of Awami League General Secretary and road, transport and bridges minister denying that the attackers in the recent incident were BCL members, are baffling, to say the least. The attackers, whose pictures have been published, have been identified as members of this youth organisation with some of them holding leadership posts. Instead of making such incredible statements the minister should condemn the attacks and call for immediate action against these hostile individuals who are maligning their parent party and the government's public image.

Courtesy: The Daily Star /Editorial /Jul 17, 2018