The purpose of this report is to analyze and discuss the current state of student politics in Bangladesh. This report aims to achieve several goals, including acquiring practical knowledge, submitting the report, comprehending the drawbacks of student politics, obtaining an exemplary grade, and gathering experience for future endeavors. To compile this report, information was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources involved conducting interviews with various individuals.
We gather data from a range of secondary sources such as magazines, books, newspapers, and websites. However, our examination of the report was hindered by insufficient information, time constraints, and unavoidable circumstances. The main objective of this report is to present information on the adverse aspects of student politics in Bangladesh, commonly referred to as “the dark side.” Its purpose is to illuminate the various issues arising from student politics and identify those affected by them.
The objective of this report is to offer a comprehensive comprehension of the present condition of student politics, which involves students taking part in the political arena. This participation plays an essential role in society and contributes to sustainable development. Throughout history, students have had an unparalleled impact on nation-building in various countries like China, Japan, and the USA. They have promoted social mobility and upheld principles such as democracy, good governance, and rights-based development.
Throughout their educational journey referred to as “student life,” individuals should prioritize studying and engaging with others to cultivate their leadership skills for the future. Lenin stressed the significance of reading during his university lecture.
In the early 20th century, student politics introduced a new aspect to Bengal’s politics and solidified its importance in shaping the region’s political landscape.
In the first quarter of the 20th century, student politics became institutionalized with the revolutionary terrorist movement, swadeshi movement, and the non-cooperation movement. However, student politics did exist in the nineteenth century as well. The young bengal movement, led by students, emerged as an intellectual reaction to western education and actively addressed social and other political issues.
In the early 1870s, Surendranath Banerjea founded a student association to promote nationalist sentiment among Indians. Simultaneously, Ananda Mohan Bose encouraged students to participate in politics and held political classes with them. However, several factors including prevailing political, economic, and social conditions, as well as strict disciplinary measures imposed by school and college authorities hindered students’ engagement in politics. Until the late nineteenth century, the primary objective for students from various backgrounds was to gain education qualifications for employment within the colonial government.
Student Politics in Bangladesh has seen brilliant students stepping into the field. Looking back at the history, it is evident that students played a vital role in saving the motherland and preserving the language during significant years such as 1952, 1969, and 1971. Back then, student politics focused on the welfare of the country and was led by highly talented individuals. It is worth mentioning that unlike today, there were no disputes among student politicians for money and power. Throughout our history, students have consistently played a glorious role during various critical times.
The Language Movement of 1952, the movements against Ayub Khan’s dictatorship in Pakistan, and the 1969 students movement, which led to the war of liberation, were all movements where students played a major role. In some cases, students even paved the way for politicians to follow. After the emergence of Bangladesh, it was expected that students would no longer need to worry about national politics, and they could focus on studying to empower themselves with knowledge for nation-building.
During our time in Pakistan, the influence of international communism was an additional draw for students to engage in national politics, as some parties were rooted in communist or socialist beliefs. The combination of Bangalee nationalism and international communism served as the justification for student involvement in politics during that period. This support from student wings of mainstream parties was crucial for the sake of democracy during the Ershad era. However, since Ershad’s downfall, this rationale has become a thing of the past.
Positive side of Student Politics
Students are considered the future leaders of the country. Their participation in politics provides them with the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Student politics is primarily focused on students, driven by students, and intended for the benefit of students. While students may hold their own political beliefs, they should prioritize national issues. Generally, they should advocate for their rights as students. The significance of student involvement in politics was demonstrated in important historical events such as in 1952, 1969, and 1971 when students played a crucial role in protecting our nation and language.
During that time, student politics aimed to benefit the country. The brightest students took the lead in those days. Unlike today, there was no conflict among student politicians over money and power. Throughout our history, students have had a significant impact during crucial moments. The Language Movement of 1952, various movements against Ayub Khan’s dictatorship in Pakistan, and the 1969 student movement that led to our successful war for independence, all featured students playing a major role.
Despite the positive aspects of student politics, their recent conduct has been nothing to be proud of. In recent times, student politics has been involved in various illegal activities such as misuse of power, occupying positions, and engaging in fights. Although a talented student can succeed in mainstream politics, the desire for power often hinders constructive politics and negatively impacts our overall political landscape. It is evident that student politics has become a hostile faction within the political sphere.
Depoliticalization, illegal occupation of positions, actions disconnected from politics, and the creation of political instability have all contributed to the current state of student politics. Additionally, issues such as campus violence, misuse of power, terrorism, and drug trafficking have further corrupted the system. It is unfortunate that a significant portion of student politics has been tainted. The responsibility for this can be attributed to the two major political parties, BNP and AL, which have student organizations called ‘Chattradal’ and ‘Chattralegue’, respectively. Ironically, despite claiming to be organizations for students, many of their central leaders are non-students.
Other alarming matter is that no brilliant students who obtain merit position or A+ in SSC or HSC are interested in student politics. The present student politicians are not interested in studying. Most of their interest is grown for money and power, not for the welfare of the country. We should immediately be conscious about the matter of spoliation of student politics because today’s student politicians are the future leaders of the country. Can we go back to the golden age of student politics, as like as in 1952, 1969, 1971…?
