A law professor at University of Dhaka has sharply criticized recent political developments involving students, warning that threats against the territorial integrity of another country—particularly India’s northeastern “Seven Sisters” region—could constitute a violation of international law.
Dr. Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, a professor in the university’s Law Department, made the remarks during a recent talk show titled “Charcha.” Referring to comments made by a student leader about India’s northeastern states, commonly known as the “Seven Sisters,” he said any aggressive statement targeting the geographical integrity of a sovereign nation is a serious matter under international law.
According to Dr. Karzon, international law guarantees every state the right to protect its territorial integrity. He noted that if any individual or group issues threats against another country’s territory, the affected state may interpret it as a breach of international norms and could claim moral and legal grounds for response. He added that Bangladesh would similarly have the right to take action if its own territorial integrity were questioned.
He further argued that such remarks by student leaders could create diplomatic or legal complications and provide other countries with grounds to react. In his view, sufficient political restraint was not exercised in addressing the issue.
Criticizing the role of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Dr. Karzon said that following the mass uprising, priority should have been given to returning students to academic life. Instead, he alleged, a section of students was drawn directly into partisan political activities—an approach he believes could have long-term negative consequences.
He questioned whether political mobilization would remain limited to students or extend to other segments of society, such as teachers, businesspeople, members of the armed forces, police, and farmers. Every segment of society has its own role, he said, and disturbing that balance could foster instability.
The professor also expressed concern about what he described as a lack of intellectual preparedness among some emerging student leaders. He argued that effective political engagement requires foundational knowledge of political science, sociology, economics, and history—areas in which he claimed noticeable gaps exist.
Alleging the rise of a “mob culture” in the country, Dr. Karzon warned that organized disorder and the use of crowd pressure run counter to democratic principles. If students are used to carry out unlawful or disruptive activities, he said, it could hinder efforts to establish good governance and institutional stability.
