Four parties demand trial of BCL men

Four political parties yesterday demanded immediate arrest and trial of those who attacked Rajshahi University (RU) students on February 2 and urged the authorities concerned to withdraw cases filed against the students.
Activists of the pro-Awami League student organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League, backed by police, attacked the students who were protesting evening master's programmes and hike in some fees.
The leaders of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), Gonoforum and Nagorik Oikya were addressing a human chain before the capital's Jatiya Press Club.
“People in the RU administration, including the proctor, who directed the cops and Chhatra League cadres to attack the students should also face trial,” said BSD General Secretary Khalequzzaman.
CPB General Secretary Abu Zafar Ahmed said the gradual  increase of tuition fees signals that under the façade of being public these universities were running like private ones. “The process of privatising education must stop,” he said.
Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, “The two major parties of Bangladesh will not lead Bangladesh's people in a good direction. All progressive political parties should unite to form an alternative political force.”