Afifa Jahan Pushpo

Student politics in Bangladesh has long been a topic of heated discussion. Once a force for social change and progress, it has now become more associated with power struggles, violence, and partisan control. Instead of being a platform for nurturing leadership and youth empowerment, it is often used as a tool to serve the interests of mainstream political parties. However, students are the future leaders of the nation, and their involvement in politics should be rooted in morality, democracy, and national development.

For a brighter future, young people must be politically aware and engaged in constructive activities. Great leadership is built on ethical values, critical thinking, and the courage to stand for justice. Throughout Bangladesh’s history, students have been at the forefront of pivotal movements. The Language Movement of 1952, the mass uprising of 1969, are examples of how student activism has shaped the nation. More recently, the 1996 protests against corruption and the 2024 movement for democratic rights have reaffirmed the transformative power of youth. These moments remind us that when guided in the right direction, student politics can be a catalyst for positive change.

When looking at other countries, see different approaches to student politics. In China, student organizations are linked to the ruling Communist Party, yet they retain their independence in academic, sports, and cultural affairs. Their focus is on improving university administration, literacy rates, and employment skills rather than engaging in partisan conflicts. Similarly, in Germany and the United States, student unions advocate for student rights, influence policy discussions, and contribute to social change without being controlled by national political parties. These models show that student politics can be productive and meaningful if structured properly.

So, why has student politics in Bangladesh lost its way? The primary issue is the overwhelming influence of mainstream political parties on student organizations. Rather than addressing student concerns, these organizations often serve as extensions of larger political parties, leading to a toxic environment of violence, nepotism, and suppression of differing opinions. As a result, many capable and politically aware students choose to stay away from politics, fearing harassment and intimidation. This has diminished the credibility of student organizations and turned universities into battlegrounds for power rather than centers for learning and leadership development.

To change this situation, student politics in Bangladesh needs urgent reform. First, student organizations must be independent of direct political party control. While students should be encouraged to engage with national issues, their organizations should prioritize student welfare, academic growth, and constructive activism. Reforming student politics does not mean banning it; rather, it means restructuring it to promote democracy, inclusivity, and non-violence.

Second, universities should implement clear guidelines for student political activities. There must be a structured framework that ensures student organizations operate democratically, hold transparent elections, and focus on student issues rather than external political agendas. Violence and intimidation must be eliminated through strict enforcement of campus discipline.

Third, student unions should balance centralization and decentralization of power. While they should have autonomy in decision-making, they must also be held accountable to university administrations and students. Instead of being used as recruitment centers for national political parties, student organizations should work towards policy advocacy, leadership training, and community service.

Above all, reforming student politics is not just necessary—it is essential for Bangladesh’s progress. The government, university authorities, and students themselves must collaborate to create an environment where young leaders can emerge based on merit, integrity, and a genuine commitment to national development. Student politics should be a force for positive change, not a source of division and conflict.

In conclusion, Bangladesh has a proud history of student activism, but the current state of student politics is far from ideal. By adopting successful models from other countries and ensuring student organizations function independently of political party control, can restore the true purpose of student politics. The future of Bangladesh depends on its youth, and we must create the right environment for them to lead the nation forward.

The writer is a student of Television, Film and Photograpy Department, University of Dhaka.