Rafiq deserves a good turn by DU

Ameritorious student of Dhaka University, Ehsan Rafiq, was a victim of some BCL cadres' wrath. His pictures in newspapers demonstrate the viciousness of the beating he had been subjected to, for a very trivial reason. As a consequence, Rafiq has lost the use of his right eye; we hope only temporarily. But compounding the matter is the fact that he needs to go abroad for further treatment to improve the condition of his badly damaged eye. Unfortunately, his father, who is of modest means, cannot bear the expenses.

The father has requested the university authorities for monetary help, but has reportedly not received any response yet. We hope DU would demonstrate its empathy for the unfortunate victim of unbridled use of muscle power of party cadres in the university, and respond urgently to the request for ex-gratia help to give Rafiq a chance to restore his vision.

We are pleased to note that the committee set up to investigate the matter has already submitted its report. And what is equally important, apart from the monetary help, is for Rafiq to get justice. The report should be dealt with promptly at the monthly Senate meeting. The perpetrators should be dealt with in a matter that will not only be an example to others but will match the severity of their violence, which could eventually result in not only leaving a university student permanently blind in one eye, but also blunting his future prospects in life.