Stop clashes between students of Dhaka College, City College

Dhaka College and City College—two neighbouring educational institutions in the capital—seem to have a relationship like that of snake and mongoose. Day by day they appear to be turning into “eternal enemies”. Why they clash every now and then is something not only the general public but even the law enforcement agencies reportedly do not know. Yet their clashes continue in succession, which is a matter of concern for the country’s education.

On Thursday (21 August), students of the two institutions again became involved in a violent clash. According to media reports, students of Dhaka College and City College clashed in the New Market area of the capital. The clash, which began around 12 noon on Thursday, left at least 10 people injured, including police, according to reports. This has sparked widespread discussion and criticism not only in the media but also on social media.

During such fights between the two sides, the New Market area often turns into a battlefield. With so many markets and schools-colleges in the vicinity, this area is already one of the busiest roads. When fights break out and the roads are blocked, almost half of Dhaka South grinds to a halt. This has caused endless anger among city residents.

No one knows when students of these two colleges will take to the streets, roar at each other, and then begin chasing, counter-chasing and hurling bricks and stones. Many ordinary people are now even afraid to go near the area. As a result, businesses in New Market, Gausia and surrounding areas are suffering heavy losses.

But will clashes between the two sides go on like this day after day? If a problem is known, it can be solved. Yet many do not know what the problem is between Dhaka College and City College students. Police have found no evidence of provocation behind the fights. What exists is only the virus called “ego”. If one seeks the reason for their fighting, the answer comes down to a single thing: an obsession with being “the best”. But what lies behind this desire for superiority?

Is it that they want to outdo each other in studies? Certainly not. It has been reported that academic standards are declining in both colleges. Nor is there any definite reason for their self-pride. It seems more like a provocation of a running mob. But if this continues, both institutions will be destroyed. The Ministry of Education as well as the teachers of the two colleges must now take permanent measures to stop these clashes. Unless a proper environment for education and healthy cultural practices is restored in both colleges, these incidents will go on.

This virus of “ego” will slowly spread to other educational institutions of the country as well. Once upon a time, comparisons between institutions used to be made in terms of studies and cultural activities, whereas now they seek to establish dominance through fighting—something that reflects our overall cultural decline. The country’s ongoing political unrest may also be largely responsible. To bring these young students back to the right path, the government must take an effective role. At the same time, all political parties, families and everyone concerned have a role to play in guiding students onto the right track.