Humanity First

In any national issue, it is a historical matter when the public is held hostage by students' protests and movements. The term 'hostage' is more fitting here, as it describes how the public is increasingly becoming a victim of students' actions. There is no shortage of people from various professions in the country, nor is there any lack of national issues. Whenever individuals have their own demands, they take to the streets to protest, and those who suffer the consequences of these actions are the ones who truly understand the extent of the hardship. As a result, many have raised concerns about the human values of students involved in such conflicts.

Amid the ongoing crises in the country, the students of the seven government colleges in the capital have now joined the fray. For a long time, they have been protesting for the establishment of an independent public university. In their protest, the public has been troubled multiple times. This past Sunday night, a violent clash occurred between the students of the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University and Dhaka University students, turning the Nilkhet and New Market areas into a battlefield. With the repeated use of sound grenades and tear gas shells, the surrounding area shook throughout the night. Both sides remained in a standoff, with intermittent throwing of brick chips and back-and-forth chasing.

According to reports received by the media on Monday (27 January), it was learned that in the overnight clash between Dhaka University students and the students of the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University, 22 people have been injured so far. In this incident, not only students but also pedestrians and journalists were injured. Among the injured, three are still receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while many others have received treatment and returned home.

Like a screenplay, this incident can now be presented in various ways. There can be various debates about who is right and who is wrong. However, such an event in an educational institution is certainly undesirable. If Professor Mamun has indeed mistreated the students, this issue could have been addressed by sitting down with the Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University. There were many ways to solve this problem. Why did a minor incident escalate into a battlefield? Why such behavior from students, which is completely out of line? There may be various arguments for and against, but why should the public be held hostage for this? These decisions should be made administratively. On one hand, this disrupts the students’ education, and on the other hand, it tarnishes the country’s image. We hope that, considering the current situation, everyone will act with good judgment.

Now the question is, why are students getting involved in clashes over trivial matters? Sociologists believe that the overall situation in the country has seeped into educational institutions as well. The lack of accountability, the tendency to get away with wrongdoing, and the absence of a culture of values are the reasons behind such incidents.

And how is it that students from one college end up in conflict with students from another university? Has the sense of conscience disappeared among students? The purpose of education is to shape people, to cultivate a sense of conscience! So why this destruction? We believe these incidents reflect our collective failure. Moreover, why did the teachers fail to stop their students? We must all remember that if we are not human and lack a sense of conscience, all the education in the world is in vain! Therefore, it is essential to be human first and foremost.