New Age | No end to BCL misconduct while authorities remain silent

The threat of resignation of the provosts of all the residence halls of Rajshahi University in protest against the unruly behavior of the Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, once again shows the extent of the disruption caused by the organization. Provosts issued the warning after an emergency meeting with university administration on May 28. They said they would all resign if no concrete action was taken against Chhatra League leaders and activists involved in beating up students and staff in college hostels, chasing away students. corridors, vandalism, threats and bad behavior towards hall marshals. The chairman of the university’s provost council complained that the provosts were fed up with the disorderly behavior of the Chhatra League, could not discharge their duties properly and felt helpless and insecure. On May 27, Chhatra League activists vandalized the dining hall and guest rooms of the Nawab Abdul Latif Hall after the hall authorities denied them the jerseys allotted to the players. On May 16, a group of militants beat a Bengali student who had left the university campus in fear. On May 15, activists beat three students who asked them not to abuse drugs on campus.

Incidents of torture, infighting, seat swapping, extortion and other misdeeds committed by Chhatra League activists in the university and other campuses continue to make headlines. The Chhatra League’s feuds and criminal activities have in fact become all too common over the years, often leading to the closure of institutions, serious injuries to students, and in some cases, death. Incidents of harassment of students, scholars and even foreigners by the Chhatra League also continued unabated. Students, teachers and officials of educational institutions are most affected by the unruly behavior of the organization, which has acquired a bad reputation due to its involvement in crimes ranging from rape to murder. Such misdemeanors and unruly behavior now characterize the Chhatra League, with the government and the Awami League turning a deaf ear to all this. The organization also became increasingly anti-democratic and fascist and was authoritarian towards dissident and opposition parties. It is not entirely unjustified for educators to say that nothing good can be expected from such a rogue organization, which never acts for the welfare of students and is always ready to serve as muscle power to the ruling party.

The Rajshahi University authorities must therefore address the grievances of the provosts and take exemplary action against the Chhatra League activists involved in misdeeds. Authorities of other universities must also take steps to maintain a conducive environment for learning and research and rid the institutions of subversive political activities. The Awami League must also control its student wing and not use it as political muscle to establish control over institutions.