Was this the Oxford of the East?

THE University of Dhaka was established in 1921. The faculty of the university included some of the renowned scholars of the sub-continent, including Prof.  S.N. Bose after whose name a sub-atomic particle was named Boson. Because of its academic excellence and residential character, it was once known as the Oxford of the East! The students of the university earned the admiration of the people for their historic roles during the Language Movement of 1952 and the War of Liberation of 1971.

All former students normally have great sentimental attachments to their alma mater. They visit their old institutions during re-unions and also whenever they get an opportunity. They reminisce their old days and are usually welcome there. Such visits also help to build a bridge between the old and new students. Accordingly, a former female student of the University of Dhaka, now residing in Canada, went to see her alma mater on November 5 together with her sister and uncle who is a renowned photographer. What happened later will put anyone to shame. The uncle described the incident as follows: “I along with my two nieces went out for a rickshaw tour. We stopped by the pond near Shahidullah Hall around 4:30pm. Suddenly, four unidentified youths came and asked us about our identities. Before hearing anything, they started beating us. They also tried to harass my nieces sexually. Later, the locals rescued us and took to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. However, the miscreants managed to flee immediately.” How could a disgraceful incident like this ever happen in broad daylight at a place that once earned the reputation as the Oxford of the East? It shook the conscience of the whole nation. It is reported that a probe body has been formed and the miscreants have been identified. It is important that, no matter who they are, the miscreants get exemplary punishment. It is also strange that no onlooker came forward immediately when the victims cried for help. What kind of security does the university provide to its students, faculty and visitors?

It is reported that the police cannot take any action inside the campus without permission of the proctor. In that case, shouldn't the university have its own security with modern communication and electronic surveillance systems? How can the students pursue education without security to life, property or honour? It is hoped that the probe body will recommend not only exemplary punishment to the culprits but also improvement of the internal security of the campus so that an incident like this can never happen again.

The writer is a former chief engineer of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission.