Why did students of 2 universities clash over spitting

The latest example of our moral decline as a nation is the clash between students of two universities over a spitting incident. In this clash, more than two hundred people were injured and property worth around 300 million taka was destroyed. In recent times, many such incidents have been occurring in Bangladesh where trivial matters have led to violent confrontations, often causing loss of lives. Only a few days ago, one person was killed and fifty others were injured in a clash between two groups in Brahmanbaria over a ludo game. But can university students behave the same way as ordinary people? Society looks up to university students with respect—where is that respect now?

According to eyewitnesses, students and police, around 7:30pm last Sunday, two students of City University were travelling by motorcycle through the Khagan area. While moving, one of them spat, and it fell on a student of Daffodil University who was standing nearby. The Daffodil student stopped the two City University students, assaulted them and made them apologise. After returning, the two informed other City University students about the incident. Later, 20 to 25 of them gathered and advanced towards Daffodil University’s ‘Bachelor Paradise’ hostel. They attacked the dormitory but did not enter inside. The news that City University students were attacking Daffodil students spread on Facebook. In response, 1,000 to 1,500 Daffodil students came out. The City University students then dispersed and took shelter inside their own campus. The Daffodil students then attacked, vandalised and set fire. They ransacked various rooms of City University. City University authorities claimed that money, laptops, computers and other items from different offices were looted. Several university vehicles were also set on fire.

Why this impatience and intolerance? If someone commits a mistake or wrongdoing, an apology should be enough. In foreign countries, when such minor incidents occur, both sides say “sorry, sorry” and go their separate ways. But in Bangladesh, even the slightest reason provokes one group to attack another. Why this impatience, this intolerance? Why this unhealthy competition of displaying power? Have we lost even the minimum sense of civility and social etiquette?

The two lives lost and the massive destruction caused by this trivial incident can in no way be compensated. The greatest losses have been suffered by the two universities, the student community, and the country itself. The burden of this shame must be borne by all of us as a nation. There is no competition in studies in universities, no research—only displays of power. With disappointment and a heavy heart, there is only one thing left to say: may we all awaken to our conscience. Let an end come to the dreadful anarchy and chaos spreading through society, the state, and our educational institutions.