Editorial
JU VC's rash remarks
Not befitting his guardianship
WE are surprised by the recent remarks of the VC of Jahangirnagar University blaming intruders for the recent spate of violence in the JU campus. He has given a clean chit to the Chattra League, absolving them of all responsibilities for the recent turmoil. Coming as his remarks do, from a person who is supposed to be fully conversant with the facts and the goings on inside the campus, it is, we feel a deplorable effort to shift the blame on others when most of us know who the real culprits are.
At a time when attempts are being made to arrest the prevailing campus situation all over the country, the remarks will very likely perpetuate the problem. One would not be wrong to suggest that the VC's comments sounds more like the statement of BCL spokesman rather than the head of the institution.
Regrettably, the VC has risked the credibility of his position that requires him to be non-partisan, notwithstanding his political preferences, and to ensure the safety and interest of all students, irrespective of their political predilections. By taking the position that he has, he stands to lose the confidence of other students. He would do well to remember that as the VC he is the guardian of all the students under his charge and not of a particular group. And, as he said he knew who the instigators were, was it not his responsibility to forestall them promptly?
If the vice-chancellor's contention is true that the violence is being orchestrated from outside, then why did he very recently expel six students of his university belonging to the BCL cadre on charges of involvement in violence in the JU? And would the BCL central committee have disbanded the JU committee and embargoed their activities for three months were it not for their unruly behaviour? And why would the PM have felt compelled to disassociate herself with the BCL if she was not distraught with the activity of the student wing of her party? These are all proofs, if proof is ever required, of the BCL's direct involvement in the violence and the chaos that is prevailing in the campuses.
Not the presence of police alone but essentially a non-partisan approach to the issue can only help bring about the required congenial atmosphere in the campus. The perpetrators are well known and must be dealt with most severely.
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