Why are BAU administration and students face to face

There are several thousand students and several hundred teachers at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). Difference of opinion over institutional matters may arise between them, and it can be resolved amicably through discussion. But instead of that, a state of bloody conflict has been created at Bangladesh Agricultural University over a minor issue through blocking the roads by students, confining teachers, attacks of outsiders on demonstrating students, failure to take action despite the presence of the DC and SP during the attacks, and the involvement of a political leader. This is not only unfortunate, but also extremely disappointing and a threat to the country's overall education system.

From an analysis of the events, it appears that since 25 July students have been carrying out various programmes demanding a combined degree. According to the students, an eight-member committee formed to decide on the introduction of the combined degree took a vote from students, where the proposal received overwhelming support. Yet the administration delayed action. When the decision of the Academic Council on the combined degree did not bring results, students of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science locked in the Vice-Chancellor and all teachers present at the meeting. In this incident, the Vice-Chancellor and 227 teachers were confined.

To resolve the matter, the Deputy Commissioner arrived at the scene with law enforcement; but suddenly a group of outsiders attacked the students. Among them was also a BNP leader. Yet no action was taken. According to reports published in the media on Tuesday (2 September), on Monday night outsiders armed with sticks and local weapons attacked the students at the university and detonated crude bombs. Videos of the attack spread on social media. After the attack, the army, BGB, RAB and police patrolled the campus, but on Monday morning the university was declared closed indefinitely and students were ordered to leave the halls by 9 am. However, students did not leave; instead they held protest marches.

Students alleged that the attack took place in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Superintendent of Police (SP), and a BNP leader, yet they did nothing. Since the administration failed to ensure students’ safety during the outsider attack, students issued an ultimatum for the proctorial body to resign within 24 hours. The university administration claimed that when the confined teachers and officials were released, there was pushing and shoving with some students, leaving a few injured. Regarding this, BNP leader Sheikh Amjad Ali told the media, “The Deputy Commissioner repeatedly phoned me to go there; I did not want to. I went alone, no attackers were with me. Teachers were confined. On humanitarian grounds I went there.”

It is clear how a simple matter has escalated into such complexity. Various protesting students told the media that the administration hired outsiders to attack their peaceful movement, which is shameful. The administration must take responsibility for this failure. The attackers were mainly locals aided by teachers. Although the DC and police present played no role in protecting the students, after the protest ended, when students returned to their halls, RAB and police patrol cars intimidated them and gave ultimatums to vacate the halls.

The identity of these outsider attackers must be revealed. The university administration must answer why they drove students’ rightful demands into such conflict. The DC and SP must also explain why such a brutal attack on students took place in their presence. What students describe as a violent assault, the administration dismisses as minor pushing and shoving. Why should such things happen at a university? Has everyone lost all sense of responsibility? The government must take proper action in this matter. Through proper investigation, the criminals must be brought to justice. The question remains for the government and the university administration: how can a university function if such conflict spreads over a minor issue?