Universities are not orphanages: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticised recent activities at Dhaka University, saying the institution “is not an orphanage where propaganda can be spread by distributing iron beds.”

Rizvi made the remarks on Sunday at the National Press Club during a discussion on the book “Theoretical Analysis of Bangladeshi Nationalism: The Crisis of Civic and Ethnic Nationalism.”

Addressing the issue of DUCSU elections, he questioned whether the elected Vice President had been granted any legal authority to collect fines from university-area shops, noting that the collected money is allegedly being transferred to Jamaat’s treasury. “Is there any legal basis for this?” he asked.

He further criticised political interventions in university affairs, alleging that “their activities aim to create a state within the state. Iron beds have been installed in the dormitories. This is not the responsibility of a political organization or DUCSU. The Vice-Chancellor should be approached to address legitimate student demands. A university is not an orphanage where you provide beds and dining tables.”

Rizvi also commented on political tensions since 5 August, saying divisive narratives have increased. “Claims that some are bad while we are good are being circulated. If BNP is associated with sand lifting syndicate, Jamaat is also implicated. This is appearing in the media, but not widely publicized. Jamaat’s involvement has been linked to stone looting in Sylhet and incidents involving women,” he said.

He accused the government and political opponents of targeting BNP, adding: “In a family, there may be a naughty child, but we must see whether the parents are disciplining them. Initially, a government advisor started this, followed by a political party. Elaborate statements are being prepared against BNP in various ways.”