THE infighting of the Chittagong University unit of the Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, that left 15, including the proctor of the university and a police inspector, injured on June 1 once again points to the unruly and disruptive behaviour of the organisation. Two factions of the university unit Chhatra League clashed at night on May 30. Such incidents show the political bankruptcy of the organisation. BCL infightings in Chittagong University have hampered academic environment a number of times in the recent past.

Such squabbles have become all too common over the years, often resulting in the closure of educational institutions, serious injuries to students, and, in some cases, death. In January–May 2023, a number of clashes broke out between Chhatra League factions in Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, Jahangirnagar University, Islamic University and others, resulting in the temporary closure of academic activities. General students, teachers and officials of educational institutions are the most affected by the unruly behaviour of the organisation members. The organisation has also come to increasingly become undemocratic and fascist.

Both the government and educational institutions must, therefore, realise that seats of higher learning need to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning. The Awami League must also control its student wing and must not use it as a political muscle to partisan ends.