DU murder: Decline of morals and education

The recent brutal murder at the nation's premier institution, the University of Dhaka, has shattered the very core of humanity. It has left the entire country in shock and anger, prompting deep questions about the moral decay of our society and the true purpose of education. I am specifically addressing the civilised and rational members of society here. For the uncivilised, the barbaric, and the inhumane, such acts of savagery mean nothing to them. These people are, in fact, the stain, the disgrace, and the shame of any society. What transpired could not have happened in a healthy, civilised society. It is especially horrifying when students of the highest academic institution become barbaric and engage in a horrific murder. Even the Supreme Creator must shudder at the thought. These individuals are a disgrace to the academic community. Are they indeed students or uncivilised monsters?

The world is now watching in shocked disbelief. A mentally ill man, Tofazzal Hossain, was beaten to death by students who suspected him of theft. This incident is not just a murder; it symbolises the moral crisis in our education system. Instead of acquiring knowledge, these students behaved like vicious animals. When the core purpose of education should be to instil humanity, ethics, and a sense of justice, we are forced to ask—how has education failed in shaping moral character? When the most educated segment of society, those responsible for leading societal progress, acts like violent beasts and take the law into their own hands, it spells a dire warning for the entire country.

These barbaric students first tortured Tofazzal then fed him some food, only to later unleash unimaginable cruelty. In a frenzy of madness, several monstrous students took turns beating Tofazzal to death, revealing a perverse mentality. The footage of Tofazzal being beaten, lying bloodied on the ground, and the students' heartless behaviour has sparked widespread concerns about the moral crisis in our society. One has to wonder, "In which direction is Bangladesh heading?"

The behaviour of these students can be cited as an example of demonic cruelty, which is a reflection of inhumanity and a perverted mind. Their callous and heartless activities clearly show the moral decay in the human mind. Such "violent exultation" and "brutal behaviour" have become a cause of deep concern for society. When students act like crazed monsters instead of their knowledge, reason and humanity, society's progress stalls. The head of the nation is brought down in shame. Ordinary students are deluded by fear, shame, and hatred. Students are the leaders of the future. They must have morals and humane qualities. However, when the light of education fails to instil even the slightest sense of compassion or justice in them, only violence and degradation are born in that society. The primary purpose of education is not just to acquire book knowledge but to help build a student's character. If the education system does not focus on morality, compassion, and human qualities in the students, then that education will not benefit society. This ruthlessness of students on Tofazzal Hussain is a reflection of a deep flaw in our education system. If we do not understand where our society has gone today, then there is no doubt that one day, this country of fifty-six thousand square miles will begin to mourn the end of the world. There will be no escape on that day.

So, our education system needs to be more humane, ethical and practical. Students should not only run after achieving academic success but should also give importance to building human qualities and moral character in them. If students are not taught human values, they cannot become actual human beings even after acquiring knowledge. Values ​​should be aligned with education, and moral education should be emphasized at every level. A radical change should be brought in the examination-based education system. Diversity and fairness should be brought to university entrance exams. Due to the differences in the country's education system, more importance should be given to checking the aptitude and skills of the students rather than just relying on previous results. For this, a test-based and competency-based assessment system like an oral test or an Indian competitive examination system should be developed for admission. This will allow the students to demonstrate their practical knowledge and problem-solving ability, which will help test their mettle. The examination system of this university should be conducted nationally. If we cannot develop a competitive university entrance examination system, there will be severe problems in the country's higher education system. There will be discrimination in the admission process of different universities and division among students instead of competition. Such a disorganised education system will increase violence, corruption and abuse of power in universities, which is against the fundamental ideals of the educational institution. Without a unified examination system, universities are in danger of becoming mere centres of show of power and brutality, where political and other immoral considerations prevail over genuine merit. A standardised admission test system is essential to ensure quality of education and fair assessment of students.

This killing reminds us that when students lose their morals and become violent under the influence of mobs, the progress of the nation is not possible. So, our education system needs to be deconstructed first and foremost. The education structure of the nation should be completely overhauled. Education should promote humane and moral education so that students can become well-educated citizens with a combination of knowledge and character. Can break the shell of wildness and become civilised humanity. University is the highest educational institution. Only students will stay here. Uncivilised brutality has no place. Educational Institutions cannot be turned into sanctuaries of bandits. The whole nation must wake up now with raised fists and thundering voices. We must learn from history. On the question of morality, the correct lesson should be learned from the ancient philosophy.

The main aim of education in ancient philosophy was to acquire moral and human qualities. According to the Greek philosopher Socrates, true education is not just knowledge but a spiritual and moral development process. He believed that when a person's soul is pure, his thoughts and actions are guided in the right direction. But when society lacks moral education and spiritual development, people readily turn to violence and lose their humanity under mob influence. The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius thought deeply about education and morality. According to him, ideal education is a process that helps shape the character of the individual and establishes him as a responsible citizen of society. Confucian philosophy of education emphasised ethics, respect, and social responsibility. But when students deviate from such values, they lose human qualities. Indian philosopher and teacher Chanakya also related education to morality. According to him, if a person acquires only academic knowledge but does not receive moral education, he can become a detriment to society. According to Chanakya, an educated person can become influential in society only when he acts with justice, humanity and integrity.

Now is the time to rethink our education system. Emphasis should be placed not only on academic success but also on inculcating ethics, empathy, and social responsibility in them. Education should be based on human values. Students do not stop at acquiring knowledge but become actual human beings through moral and human qualities. We must build an education system where morality and the rule of law are established, not mob justice. No society or country can progress without establishing human values ​​and justice. It is very worrying that such an incident occurs in the country's best educational institutions, like Dhaka University. Since the previous government's fall, a lack of law and order has been observed throughout the country. If the culprits are not punished after such incidents, the culture of impunity will deepen in society, and ordinary people will lose confidence in the government. The interim government should take swift action now, bring the culprits under the law, and provide exemplary punishment. So that such brutal incidents do not happen again, people can have faith in law and government.

This tragic incident forces us to think deeply about the true purpose of the education system and the lack of moral and human qualities of the students. Rather than being limited to academic success or exam results, the real purpose of education should be to build a person's character and develop values of justice, humanity and compassion. If morals and humane virtues are not taught along with education, the progress of society will stagnate, and people will increasingly tend to take the law into their own hands. Therefore, the government and educational institutions should emphasise moral and humane education in the education system and develop a practical, timely and high-quality education system so that such heartbreaking incidents do not happen again.

In light of this tragic event, we must confront the more profound moral crisis that has infiltrated our education system. The brutal killing at the University of Dhaka is not just an isolated crime; it serves as a stark reminder that education must go beyond academic success. It must instil compassion, justice, and respect for human life. When students, the future leaders of society, become agents of cruelty and lawlessness, it signals a failing system that fosters knowledge but neglects the cultivation of humane values. To prevent such horrors from repeating, we must reimagine our education system. It should shape individuals into knowledgeable beings and compassionate and ethical citizens who can uplift society. If moral education remains absent, if empathy and social responsibility are overlooked, then no amount of academic achievement will secure the progress of a nation.

This tragedy calls for immediate reform, for a recalibration of our priorities. We must ensure that students are not merely driven by grades or competition but by the principles of humanity and justice. Only by embedding these values deeply into our education system can we hope to curb the rising tide of violence, restore faith in our institutions, and create a future where such senseless brutality has no place. The time to act is now—before the darkness of moral decay engulfs the very soul of our society.