Ensure security of DUCSU VP

We have no words to condemn the attack on Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) vice president Nurul Haque Nur. The attack on the student leader in Bogura, which comes after what had happened in Brahmanbaria, tells us that Nurul's life is in danger. These two incidents beg the question - have the central leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra League vetted the attacks? We do not buy the claim that the attacks were only made by estranged BCL factions.

No matter how deep a crisis the nation's politics has plunged into, the word DUCSU is still associated with pride and prestige. Former DUCSU leaders' contribution to different national movements, including the War of Liberation, is certainly the reason. DUCSU, Madhu's Canteen, TSC -- these words are more of adjectives than proper nouns. Attacks on these are tantamount to attacking the spirit of the liberation war.

Despite BCL ruling the campus for over a decade, many untoward incidents took place centring the DUCSU polls, which have certainly left the election questionable. Nurul's win as the VP has been hailed by many and the prime minister herself also cordially welcomed him. However, unfortunately, he has become a target for the attacks.

This is an acid test for the ruling party. This attack comes just after some BCL men have been awarded punishment for swooping on the members, who did not get nominated for BCL posts. One female student also attempted to commit suicide over this. We are appalled at the way Nurul had been attacked, groups of people attacking an un-armed man. Do any BCL leaders support these attacks? If there are any, the BCL should immediately identify them for its own good.

Iftar party has been a part and parcel of Ramadan off late. Attacking Nurul at the iftar party of anti-quota demonstrators is deplorable. We do not think that this is the end. It is the duty of the law enforcement to ensure his security. The role of police was not praiseworthy in the aftermath of the attacks. Instead of disciplining the BCL, they kind of encouraged them.

We demand immediate organisational and legal steps against the BCL leaders and activists who had swooped on the DUCSU VP.