It’s a ‘natural justice’ for the educated class to be ruled by incompetent people, when they shy away from politics, according to Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Mizanur Rahman.
His remark came after drawing flak over comments made at a talk-show that he would resign if given the job to lead Jubo League — the ruling Awami League’s youth front — as its chairman.
Speaking to Bangla Tribune on Saturday (Oct 19), Mizan, however, claimed that his comments have been ‘misunderstood’.
“I had made those remarks to make the point that I will not serve two responsibilities simultaneously,” said Mizan, a Dhaka University Marketing teacher on the lien.
“Incompetent people will rule sober and educated people if they shy away from politics,” he said before adding, “A portion of the Jubo League is involved in corruption and irregularities like illicit gambling operation and tender manipulation. I am interested to lead the organisation with the cooperation of the remaining hundreds of thousands of the [Jubo League] activists.”
Mizan, who sits on the policymaking Presidium of Jubo League said during a talk-show at a private TV channel on Thursday (Oct 17): "I didn't attend Jubo League meetings after becoming a VC. But if I'm asked to take charge of the Jubo League, I will step down as the VC."
Mizan has been serving as the VC of Jagannath University since March 2013. The Marketing professor has also served as the treasurer of Dhaka University from January 2009 to June 2012.
Explaining his remarks to Bangla Tribune on Saturday, he claimed that the media reports quoted him out of context. “It was not that I said I am resigning as the VC to lead the Jubo League. I was making a point that the VC cannot have two responsibilities.”
Asked why he was inclined to take charge of the organisation, Mizan said, “Besides, the one percent of Jubo League activists involved in corruption, the organisation has huge worker base which is an asset. It would be great to use that resource for good purposes.
“Corrupt people in Jubo League and Chhatra League today means, they will be part of the Awami League in future. And that needs to be addressed. If the prime minister wants me to take that responsibility, then I would resign as the VC.”