A GROUP of guardians and other citizens on Friday accused the government of playing a dubious role on the quota issue. They slammed police inaction in this regard as the law enforcers could not arrest any of the attackers – despite the availability of clear evidence gathered through, photos, video clips and firsthand eye-witnesses. Furthermore, the participants at the rally also called for launching a judicial probe into the attacks on quota reform activists to punish the culprits.
The protesting students were badly beaten up by police as well as government students. Even teachers were manhandled. The question raised is anybody has right to speak up against wrongs.
Adding insult to injury, we were shocked when the Dhaka University Proctor said three days ago that he had not been ‘informed’ about the multiple incidents of brutal attacks on DU students by Chhatra League members after the supporters of the quota reform movement had called a press conference to brief on their next course of action. Questions automatically arise whether the proctor is executing his professional duties efficiently or not, and if he is living and working in Bangladesh?
The attacks, as evident from photographs and video footage, were brutal; female students were also mercilessly beaten and humiliated. Did this not warrant the Proctor’s immediate intervention?
All that the students demanded was the Prime Minister to keep her promise. How that can be an offence for students to be punished is at all understandable unless she thinks police power is good enough to deny any rightful demand.
We have sympathy with the students and glad to know that the guardians and a section of teachers joined the students to make their support felt. The government cannot rely on police for everything. The political leaders must have competence of their own to deal with situation in involving public interest.
