Dispose of the cases quickly
In an ironic turn of events during last year's road safety movement, many of the students who took to the streets were implicated in vandalism cases, whereas no steps have been taken against those who attacked the peaceful protesters with sharp weapons. According to DMP sources, 60 cases were filed against several thousand unidentified students and young people during and after the movement—for assaulting police, damaging government properties, obstructing law enforcers from discharging duties, etc. Besides, cases were also filed under the then Section 57 of the ICT Act for "spreading rumours and sharing provocative posts" on social media. Reportedly, many of the students who were implicated in the cases did not even participate in the protests. A report by The Daily Star on July 30 described the plight of these students as the cases filed against them are still pending, with the police having submitted a charge sheet only in two of the cases.
The students implicated in the cases are living in constant fear of further harassment. Their studies and work are being affected. Having been implicated in police cases, for many of them, getting a job or going abroad has also become very difficult.
And while these students and their families are suffering in silence, those who reportedly attacked the students wearing helmets and carrying sticks, metal bars and machetes, have gotten away scot-free. Many of these attacks took place right under the nose of the police, and in some cases, the police and ruling party men jointly launched attacks on the peaceful protesters. Although photos and video clips of many of these incidents were in circulation, all this evidence was not used to apprehend the attackers.
Needless to say, the students joined the movement with a good purpose—to put an end to the anarchy on our roads. But instead of listening to their just demands, the administration decided to punish them. This is unacceptable. We call upon the police to submit their investigation reports as soon as possible and relieve the students of further distress. We also hope that those who beat up the students on the streets will be brought to justice.
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