Unbridled BCL men

The Chittagong University authorities were forced to postpone a graduation test for journalism students on Thursday when activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) refused to allow examinees to enter the exam hall. And this because the university authorities did not allow one of their men to sit for the exam.

The activist in question was barred from taking the exam for assaulting another BCL leader with a deadly weapon. Is this type of behaviour acceptable on a university campus, or anywhere else, for that matter? Following such behaviour, did the authorities not have full right to bar the BCL man from sitting for the exam?

Yet, BCL men have made it a routine to cause such disruptions on university campuses and in other places, causing all sorts of problems for students and the public in general. And there has been little remorse or shame, and no punitive action at all, for the lawlessness of some of these cadres. There are numerous other similar examples in regards to BCL men disturbing or manipulating university activities, government tenders, etc.

It would not be wrong to suggest that things have gotten to this point because of the impunity that has been afforded to BCL men over the years. We are pleased to hear that on this instance the Chhatra League central executive committee has reportedly suspended two of the activists involved for "breaching discipline of the organisation". But is that enough for an act that is a cognizable offence? We hope that the errant party cadres will be exemplarily punished to send a message that no one, regardless of political affiliation, is above the law.