Quota movement proves much too costly

It is disappointing and appalling. The death of at least six students and youths following the violent clashes between students and law enforcement agencies is both tragic and shocking. An explosive situation of this order and the subsequent brutal attacks on students demanding reform to the quota system in government service could certainly be avoided. On-the-spot reports along with pictures taken by media people clearly expose the attackers. A series of video footages of television channels and online platforms highlight some of the ugliest incidents of unprovoked violence unleashed on students including the female among them.
For the last couple of weeks, a large number of students at various public universities have been protesting against the reinstatement of quota in the first and second class government service annulled through a circular in 2018. They are not fully against the quota system but look forward to reforming the quota system making the recruitment process more merit-based. Notably, the government also filed a leave-to-appeal petition with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court ruling that more or less reinstated the quota system. The hearing on the petition is scheduled for July 21 next.
A lack of mutual respect, understanding and patience is responsible for the volatile situation. Nevertheless, it was largely non-violent until Monday last. The situation turned violent when a section of leaders and activists of the student-wing of the ruling party appeared on the scene opposing the protesting students on different campuses. The confrontation was brutal and one-sided with the protesters suffering serious assaults. Sadly, the pursuers followed the injured students even inside Dhaka Medical College.
This is, however, not a new thing. Over the decades, a section of leaders and activists of the student-wing of the ruling party has resorted to intimidation on campuses of different colleges and universities across the country. In the dormitories, they run parallel administration. They are intolerant of any kind of rally, gathering or demonstration on campuses brought out by other student groups subscribing to different political orders. The latest attack on the students is the continuation of the decade-long practice.
Protesting students, however, became more agitated and challenged the attackers on the next day. As they tried to prevent the attackers, law enforcement agency also became hyper-active. Thus the situation slid into violent clashes in Dhaka and many other parts of the country, causing death and injuries.
This ugly development has exposed the raw sore of socio-political divide. Society indeed has become compartmentalised always finding faults with the rival camps and never doing the barest soul-searching. Sure enough, those who chanted the slogan claiming themselves 'razakars' have committed an unpardonable offence. This goes against the country's very basis and the offenders need be brought to book. Anything of this order is unacceptable and protesters who love the country and hold its spirit in high esteem should tell the offenders to part with them. There is a limit to freedom of expression at some point.
Today's young generation have not known the travails and trauma of living through the nine months of the Liberation War. They have no right to disrespect and undermine the contribution of the freedom fighters. Reservation of positions in government service may be negotiable but the sacrifice made by the valiant sons are sacrosanct. Unfortunately, the face-off on the streets is the result of mishandling of the situation. It could be avoided by taking the protesters in to confidence because the demands of both the government and the protesters have a meeting point.

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