BSS-48 BUET can ban student politics if it wants: PM

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BSS-48

PM-BUET-POLITICS

BUET can ban student politics if it wants: PM

DHAKA, Oct 9, 2019 (BSS) – Turning down the possibility of banning student politics across the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) can ban student politics on its campus responding to its students’ demand as political activities are prohibited at many universities.

“Why the question of banning student politics will be raised centering only an incident? What is the bearing of banning student politics with this killing (Abrar killing)? But, if BUET wants to ban student politics, they have syndicate and committee. They can do so, we will not interfere in this regard,” the premier said replying to a question at the press conference organized on her visits to India and the USA at her official Ganobhaban residence in the city.

The Prime Minister participated the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and visited India.

Noting that student politics had a great contribution to the country’s different movements, including in the Language Movement, she said the proposal of banning student politics can be a proposal of dictators, as they did so in the past.

“Our leadership has originated from student politics. As you (journalists) today say that I pay attention to all affairs of the country, it has become possible for me to do so as I have reached to my present position after doing student politics. So, I am in the know of everything,” Sheikh Hasina added.

Where lies the politics in the Abrar killing, the premier posed the question.

However, the reason behind this killing (Abrar killing) should be found out, she said, adding, “I will ask the law enforcement agencies to search all educational institutions and halls across the country to find out those who resort to muscle flexing and cause such incidents to happen”.

Seeking cooperation from the journalists in this regard, the Prime Minister said the ensuing search will not consider any party affiliation. “But, you should remember that the government is bearing all costs of public university students,” she added.

The Prime Minister said she does not consider the identities of criminals and perpetrators.

“To me, criminals are criminals and I consider criminals as criminals. After getting informed about the incident at BUET, I instantly directed the police to collect evidences side by side the CCTV footages,” she added.

Sheikh Hasina said soon after the incident, she asked the BCL top brass to oust the criminals and directed the police to arrest the perpetrators.

“I won’t consider who belong to BCL nor not. Criminals are criminals and they would be brought to justice and get punishment. I don’t wait for anyone to raise demands for justice as before the demands were raised, I gave directives, the criminals are being arrested and it has become easier for police to work after getting the CCTV footage,” she said.

The Prime Minister went on saying, “Why there is such brutality as a brilliant boy from a simple family is being killed? We’re taking steps against these criminals and we’ll ensure all sorts of punishment to them and there is no doubt about this.”

Noting that no one knows better than her about the losing of near and dear ones as it took long 38 years to get justice in the Bangabandhu murder case.

She also raised question why police personnel were barred at the BUET for long three hours since they went there for collecting evidences and CCTV footages after the death of Abrar.

Mentioning that killings of Raufun Bosunia and Chunnu also took place on the university campus, Sheikh Hasina said it was Awami League which brought peaceful environment for education on the campuses putting an end to the politics of arms.

The Prime Minister also said after such prompt steps from the government following the death of Abrar on BUET campus, there is no need to continue movement by the students as the trial of the perpetrators would be ensured.

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