Violence and aggression have plagued university campuses, with student league attackers targeting students demanding quota reforms. The Dhaka University Truth Investigation Committee has identified over a hundred student league leaders and workers involved in these attacks, noting that many of the aggressors were external and more aggressive.
The committee, aiming to submit its final report to the university administration within this week, highlighted the alarming rise in violent incidents on campus. Despite previous incidents of violence, no committee had submitted a report until now, marking a significant step in addressing the issue.
Setting Up the Investigation
The formation of the Truth Investigation Committee in September was a response to the student unrest from the quota reform movement in July to August. The committee, initially led by law faculty dean Professor Muhammad Ekramul Haque, has meticulously gathered evidence and witness testimonies to compile a comprehensive report.
Members of the committee, including Dr. Nadia Nawaz Remi from the Management Department, have worked tirelessly to ensure a thorough investigation. The complexity of the case, with multiple assailants and varying levels of involvement, has delayed the final report submission. However, the committee aims to present their findings within the next week.
Unveiling the Aggressors
The violence erupted from the quota reform protests in mid-July, leading to widespread assaults on Dhaka University students by the student league. The attacks resulted in hundreds of students seeking medical treatment, with many falling victim to repeated assaults. Despite campus closures and increased security measures, the violence persisted until early August.
In a separate case, more than 600 student league members were implicated in attacks on students by organizers of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement. The cases, led by activists Mahin Sarkar and Arman Hossain, highlighted the extensive involvement of student league members in the violence.
The investigation process involved meticulous review of visual evidence, mobile video footage, and witness accounts to uncover the extent of the violence. The committee, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, remains committed to delivering a comprehensive report that adheres to legal standards.
The committee will recommend appropriate sanctions based on the evidence gathered, ensuring that justice is served for the victims. The systematic approach of the investigation, with forensic reports and police cooperation, aims to provide a thorough account of the incidents. The report, spanning nearly 170 pages, will be presented to the syndicate for further action.
As the university grapples with the aftermath of the violence, students who have disassociated from the student league have faced no hindrances in their academic pursuits. Those who have taken a stand against the violence have found support within the campus community, ensuring a safe learning environment for all.
