Asuspended faction of Chittagong University Bangladesh Chhatra League (CUBCL) went on the rampage and vandalised the Chittagong University Vice Chancellor's office on November 7. They have been demanding the sacking of a teacher. Apparently these "students" were unhappy about this teacher for expressing his dissatisfaction about city corporation tax assessment.

As a citizen of the country, the teacher is perfectly at liberty to be associated with a social movement and we are in full agreement with the VC that there is no bar on such activity as far as the university is concerned. Does it mean that nobody has the right to hold his or her opinion? Does it mean that there is no freedom of speech or action? By the conduct of these CUBCL activists, it certainly looks that way.

We condemn the actions of these CUBCL activists, for their actions revolve around a matter that has no relation either to the university or their education. Where do these so-called students get the nerve to vandalise the office of the university's VC unless they are assured immunity by those they report to? This sort of bullying has become a hallmark of Chhatra League over the last few years and is totally unacceptable.

And what is the role of the ruling party in all this? It would be a mistake to think that these elements were acting of their own volition. They bring disgrace to the body they belong to. What we witnessed at Chittagong University is the ill manifestation of the politicisation of educational institutions. It is our hope that the university authorities would take necessary steps to curb such unruly behaviour with a firm hand.