Expressing deep concern over the recent attacks on the quota reform activists, the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned inactivity of the law-enforcing agencies in this regard.
It also demanded exemplary punishment of the attackers following proper legal procedure.
The Dhaka chapter of the Berlin-based international organisation expressed its concern through a media statement on Monday evening.
TIB also called for ensuring a stable academic atmosphere in the educational institutions by eliminating the anxiety of jobseekers and general students by reforming the quota system as per Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's declaration.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the assaults on general students of different educational institutions are inhumane, condemnable, illegal and subversive to basic human rights.
"The law-enforcing agencies' inactive role during the assaults on the quota reform activists is adding fuel to the vicious move to repress a democratic and non-violent movement."
He also said such inertia of the law-enforcing agencies is disgraceful and unconstitutional.
Mr Zaman underscored the need for ensuring exemplary punishment of the people involving in the assault.
"Moreover, the law-enforcing personnel should act promptly to restore people's faith on them by providing security to the activists."
The prime minister also legitimised the movement by assuring the reform activists of cancelling the quota system through her declaration, he noted.
Following her declaration, even the student wing of the ruling party, vice chancellors of different universities, and various teachers' platforms also supported the reform movement by publishing media statements.
"Since no visible progress has been made after several months of the PM's announcement, it is usual for the activists to become suspicious about the cordiality of a part of the government," he opined.
The students and jobseekers would not have to go for further movement, had the government taken necessary steps within a considerable period following the PM's announcement.
TIB, in the statement, also requested all stakeholders to remain respectful to democratic values and behaviour.
The quota reform movement activists have been assaulted, allegedly by the members of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), on several occasions since last Saturday.
Earlier, following fierce protest by the anti-quota activists, the prime minister, on April 11, declared to reform the system within a short period of time.
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