When we analyse the issue of 52 students obtaining first class marks we can only say that it not only sounded preposterous, it also smelled of foul play. The comments of renowned academics of the country, assessment of past records of results obtained by students at honours and masters examinations in the said department, quality of students who enrolled and also the alleged role of student and teacher politics on the campus all combine together to reinforce the theory that there was gross irregularity in the entire process.

Today, after more than two years of investigation the DU authorities have found the department chairman and four other teachers guilty of the irregularity and suggested punishment that includes banning them for life from getting involved in any kind of examination.

What astounds us at this point is the length of time taken for the investigation and the soft nature of punishment that was awarded for a crime that has greatly tarnished the image of the institute in the eye of the nation. We also find it difficult to comprehend how teachers, allegedly involved in the scam, could be included in the investigating committee.

In response to the admission with false documents, the DU authorities have cancelled studentship of 77 students in a meeting of the syndicate. We hail the news and hope that the authorities would immediately install a foolproof system to prevent such crime from being committed in the future.

It remains to be said that the two incredulous incidents have raised the question in every mind as to the role of the highest authorities of DU in taking measures to keep the name and fame of the University of Dhaka undamaged. Damage control is now a matter to be looked into.