Violence at DU

Are we to accept that political rivals have no right to express their views? That the right of dissent is something that does not apply to us? Is the right to demonstrate and ventilate our feelings in a peaceful manner in Bangladesh is becoming a thing of the past?

The student wing of the ruling party went completely berserk and attacked even the female students, something that was never seen in the past. Undemocratic and atrocious behaviour from the supposedly more enlightened lot, seems to suggest that democracy in our country has degenerated to the lowest level.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

We condemn this behaviour, because it is against all democratic norms as well as against norms of civilized conduct.

The statements of the JCD president that it was never 'silent' at moments of national 'crises' gives one the impression that the JCD was raring for a confrontation and was fully prepared for what followed.

We cannot also rationalise either the attack by the same unruly students on the office of the DUTA president, which had nothing to do with the opposition students' rally. This, we feel, is an attempt to intimidate individuals and organisations that do not share JCD views.

We recall the remarks of the PM that government tolerance should not be construed as weakness. We wonder if what was exhibited by the student wing of her party is a sign of tolerance and restraint?

We also condemn the reaction of the opposition student groups that resulted in damage to several private and public transports. Their violence was totally unwarranted.

The JCD behaviour is most regrettable, particularly when the critical period that we are passing through demands restraint and sanity in our behaviour and utterances.

We demand of the government to not only rein in its student front but also take all those responsible for Saturday's incidents to task.