We feel embarrassed at the recent criminal activities of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of ruling Awami League (AL) at different public universities. Most of the national dailies on Wednesday ran a number of stories detailing how some BCL leaders and activists are committing crimes, violating rules and regulations, breaching discipline and tarnishing the organisation’s image.
It will not at all be exaggerating to say that a section of leaders and workers of BCL have done a lot of misdeeds and committed various crimes in the last 15 years. And they have been enjoying a free rein in all public universities since 2009. We are also gravely concerned at the cruel torture of students by BCL members at different halls and dormitories of public universities, medical colleges, and other educational institutions. Reports have it the unruly BCL men hold many general students hostage in different rooms, known as torture cells at the halls of public universities. They beat the students up even with iron-made pipe, stamps, and sticks indiscriminately. Besides, the incidents of BCL infighting deteriorated the academic atmosphere on campuses creating a disquieting situation.
The BCL is an organisation founder of which is the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman himself. By now the BCL has been a big organisation.
However, all the achievements of the AL government are being overshadowed by a section of BCL leaders and workers across the country. It seems that the AL has no control over its student wing.
Though AL President Sheikh Hasina and General Secretary Obaidul Quader repeatedly warned the BCL leaders and activists that no BCL man would be spared if he is found involved in misdeeds and stern action would be taken against the offenders who are engaged in denting the image of the organisation, party government and country’s reputation.
A section of leaders and workers
of BCL have done a lot of misdeeds and
committed
various crimes in the last
15 years
Therefore, the ruling AL and party high command have been embarrassed about some BCL men’s wrongdoings. Those who are carrying out misdeeds under the identity of BCL are obviously criminals.
They have no right to be in any organisation of the AL. Some influential leaders use the activists of BCL as tools to serve their personal interests.
We are drawing the attention of AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as those incidents are tarnishing the image of the party and the government.
Those who are responsible for tarnishing the image of the party must be brought to book. However, Sheikh Hasina’s instruction to BCL leaders and workers to build themselves as perfect leaders by moving forward with the attitude of sacrifice leaving personal interest and greed, is going in vain.
BCL is a big organisation and the AL has been in power for a long time and that is why, many harmful people intruded into the party. They are now causing trouble on their own but responsibility is foisted on the BCL.
In the wake of series of crimes and guestroom torture by the ruling BCL men, we think the authorities concerned should take immediate steps right now. If BCL men want to commit crimes and make a mint and wealth, then they must have to face the music.
By indulging in misdeeds and committing crimes no one can attain leadership quality, can serve the country, and can contribute to the welfare of people. The BCL men must refrain from all sorts of wrongdoing and carry out the prime minister’s order to stay on the right track and give full concentration on study at first.