Students, like all citizens, must also abide by the law
We are shocked by the mindless violence that erupted at the Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College (DMRC) on Monday, as students from Suhrawardy College and Kabi Nazrul College clashed with DMRC students for hours, leaving around 100 injured. Reportedly, hundreds of students from the two colleges, armed with various weapons, stormed DMRC around noon and damaged everything in their path, setting fire to furniture, destroying documents, and looting cash and computers. According to the DMRC principal, the estimated damage to the institution could be around Tk 60-70 crore. Such senseless acts of violence and destruction, especially by students, are completely unacceptable.
In recent days, we have observed a troubling trend of students resorting to violence at the slightest provocation. On November 20, students from Dhaka College and City College clashed in the Science Lab area for no apparent reason. About a week ago, students from Titumir College blocked roads and railways, hurling stones at train commuters and injuring many, in a demand to upgrade their college to university status. And now this violence involving students from three colleges. Reportedly, the unrest began after a DMRC student passed away at Dhaka National Medical College Hospital on November 18. When students from DMRC went to vandalise the hospital alleging medical negligence, students from the other two colleges joined, eventually sparking a clash.
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It is disheartening to see such divisions and petty conflicts when, over three months ago, students played a significant role in the fall of an autocratic regime through their united efforts. Why can't they stand united now at this crucial moment of nation rebuilding? It defies logic that the death of a fellow student would lead to violence among students themselves, rather than a unified, peaceful protest against any perceived medical negligence. Some, including the DMRC principal, believe that outside forces may be instigating such violence to create unrest in the country. While the possibility of external instigation cannot be dismissed, nothing justifies the violence and vandalism carried out by the students.
As citizens of this country, students must abide by its laws. The government and college authorities must ensure that this message is clear to them. The government's strong stance against these actions is commendable, but words alone are not enough. We urge the authorities to take swift legal action against those involved in the attacks, vandalism, and looting, after conducting a thorough investigation. Incidents like these cannot be taken lightly.
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