Celebrating with violence
A picture in the back page of this paper yesterday embarrassingly contrasts a story on the front page. The picture shows Chhatra League members carrying weapons during a factional clash in MC college in Sylhet, and in the news report the PM has been quoted as urging Chhatra League to pursue education and spread education in their villages in preparation for their future role as leaders of the country. At least 11 people were reportedly hurt in the clashes.
The occasion that triggered all these events, including the PM's encouraging speech, was the 70th anniversary of Chhatra League's establishment. It is indeed unfortunate that an occasion as important as this should be marred by factional skirmishes on several campuses of the country. Most of these clashes were over petty issues.
But truth be told, we are not particularly surprised at the rowdy behaviour of members of this organisation. In complete contradiction to the organisation's role in the past, in national movements that made history, the present BCL has been in the news for the wrong reasons, the prime one being violent clashes on campus. This has degraded the academic atmosphere of these educational institutions and deprived general students of the peace of mind required while pursuing their higher education.
It is clear that the higher ups of the BCL, while giving lip service about how the organisation must be disciplined, actually do not have much control over the delinquent elements in their party. And because disciplinary action is not taken as much as is needed to reign in these belligerent, ill-disciplined elements, factionalism and hooliganism continues.
Thus, mere advice that BCL members should educate themselves in order to be effective leaders, is not enough to curb the increasingly violent, arrogant behaviour of a large number of members of the ruling party's student body. Exemplary punishment must be meted out to those who indulge in criminal activities. Failure to do so will be seen as a license to continue with such behaviour, ultimately dragging down the ruling party's image.
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