AT a time when the nation is looking forward to holding a peaceful election for transition of power to a political government, clashes between the activists of student wings of major political parties pose a threat to peace at educational institutions of the country. Violent clashes at Rajshahi Medical College between supporters of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) over a seat at the dormitory a couple of days back have left many students gravely injured. As a measure to avoid backlashes the authorities have had to close down the college until October 10. Then on Friday, activists of JCD assaulted some students of the department of mass communication and journalism of Dhaka University including journalists on the issue of filming a TV serial in front of Teacher Student Centre (TSC). A number of university correspondents of local newspapers had to be taken to hospitals with injuries.
The manifest unruliness of the students at two different places is something that has an ominous ring about it and has to be looked into with due seriousness by the political parties. Extremely disturbed as we are, we wonder why students belonging to the highest seat of learning must resort to physical violence to settle any issue. We notice with disquiet that after several months of lull the party cadres have once again begun to flex their muscles.
The country is poised to enter a new phase on the political front. This demands showing utmost restraints by all and to say the least, rowdiness anywhere is something that has to be dealt with effectively. If the political parties fail to rein in the musclemen in their student wings well ahead of the election, we fear the whole purpose of fostering a congenial atmosphere for the polls might be defeated. The political parties, therefore, would do a great service to the nation if they sensitise student supporters to be positive and constructive in their activities.