Weapons drills at educational institution in Sylhet, security concerns

Local correspondent

The incident of 12 youths openly practicing with axes, knives and sticks in front of multiple educational institutions in Zakiganj, Sylhet has created intense concern in the area. These pictures and videos circulating on social media have increased panic among students and parents.

The incident is reported to have taken place in front of the upazila’s traditional Hafsa Majumder Women’s Degree College, Sajjad Majumder Vidyaniketan and Pratibha Nibas residential institution.

Footage that has gone viral on social media since Saturday shows young men walking calmly with weapons in their hands, with no sign of fear or hesitation on their faces.

Locals are asking who these young men are and for what purpose they staged such a frightening display in front of an educational institution.

Parents say the presence of armed outsiders in front of girls’ educational institutions poses a major threat to the safety of students. They demand that the perpetrators be quickly identified and brought to justice.

Asim Bhowmik, acting principal of Sajjad Majumder Vidyaniketan, said that it may have been filmed on a holiday or outside the institution, but such frightening activities around educational institutions are a serious crime and cannot be accepted.

Khaled Mohiuddin Azad, acting principal of Hafsa Majumder Women’s College, said, “Such reprehensible behavior destroys the discipline and dignity of the educational institution. Whoever it is, legal and disciplinary action will be taken against them.”

He said an emergency meeting has been called on Sunday regarding this matter.

Local civil society says that weapons training in areas adjacent to educational institutions poses a major threat not only to the safety of students but also to the safety of the entire area. Demands have been raised everywhere for swift and effective action.