Show a little compassion

It is shocking to learn that Toriqul Islam, a student of the Department of Islamic Studies at Rajshahi University and a victim of a BCL-led attack during the quota reform movement, was denied permission to attend his Master's exams in sick bed. He is still having difficulty walking or keeping balance and clearly, it is very difficult for him to take a four-hour exam sitting like a regular student. In spite of that, he was denied permission by the university authorities when he applied to take the exams at the university's medical centre.

Such a decision by the RU authorities displays an abject lack of sympathy for a student who has suffered immense physical trauma. And now he is being subjected to mental trauma by the authorities. While the university authorities should have played the role of his guardian, they have taken a decision that totally goes against his interest.

He is now facing a double setback. First, he is severely injured and unsure of when he will get back the use of his right leg fully. Second, there is the uncertainty of taking the exam. We are worried about what the future holds for Toriqul if he fails to complete his Master's studies. It is common practice in our educational institutions to allow sick students to sit for exams at the medical facilities of that respective institution, and this should be followed too in Toriqul's case. Can we not expect a little more compassion and empathy from the university authorities towards this unfortunate student?