From Ashes to Action: Reawakening Student Politics in Bangladesh
Md. Yeasir Arafat
Student politics in Bangladesh was once a raging fire that lit the path of the nation’s greatest struggles. It was the storm that shook the chains of oppression, the force that carried the dreams of a free and just society. From the Language Movement of 1952 to the Liberation War of 1971 and the anti-authoritarian protests of 1990, students stood as the architects of history. However, like a mighty river that loses its course, student politics today finds itself trapped in a maze of partisanship and misplaced priorities. The ideals that once fuelled revolutions now often fade into the shadows of self-interest, leaving behind echoes of a glorious past that no longer shape the present.
The university campus, once a garden where young minds blossomed, now often feels like a battlefield where intellect struggles to survive. The art of debate has been replaced by the noise of division, and leadership—once a symbol of vision and courage—now too often bows before loyalty rather than merit. The very foundation upon which student activism stood—justice, democracy, and progress—now seems blurred in the haze of factional struggles. But no tide is permanent, and no decline is irreversible. The history of student politics is not a story of defeat but of renewal. Where there is decay, there can be revival; where there is silence, a new voice can rise.
Additionally, during July-August of 2024, students played a significant role in starting a movement against an unjust policy, which ultimately led to the restoration of democracy. A revolution was born, marking the Renaissance of Bengal, where one of the main demands was the abolition of sycophantic and bootlicking partisan student politics. Though all demands were met, this one seems to have been forgotten by time. Even after the revolution, various educational institutions have witnessed the destructive forms of partisan student politics. With the spirit of this mass uprising against all forms of anomalies and discrimination, the establishment of sound student politics is the need of this downtrodden nation. Otherwise, it will fail.
Restoring sound student politics begins with structure and discipline. Just as a tree needs strong roots to withstand storms, student politics needs clear rules and a well-defined framework to ensure that activism remains purposeful and constructive. This will only be possible if educational institutions themselves create policies for political activities. Just as debate clubs, Model United Nations (MUN), or various educational organisations operate under rules, student politics must also be structured. Political programmes should be planned and student-friendly, with no place for violence or coercion. Universities must establish fair and transparent guidelines for political participation, where engagement is built on dialogue, not dominance. Student politics should be an extension of academic excellence—a space where leadership is cultivated through knowledge, policy discussions, and democratic practice, rather than coercion or external influence. A well-regulated political culture will not suppress freedom; rather, it will refine it, ensuring that student activism serves as a training ground for future national leadership.
In addition, it is recommended to establish ideology-based politics instead of party-based politics (e.g., justice-oriented parties, communist parties, progressive parties, conservative parties, etc.), so that political conflicts do not arise. Student organisations should be based on fundamental political philosophies such as justice, equality, democracy, and humanity, where students can join based on their conscience. This will foster the development of free thought and create genuine political awareness, replacing loyalty with independent thinking. The administration should not influence any party, and no political group should be allowed to disrupt the election environment through violence. The use of force or violence during elections must be strictly prohibited, ensuring that capable and deserving students can take leadership positions.
An important aspect is recognising the successful members of both the government and opposition. After the student council elections, those who demonstrate effective governance or those who constructively criticise and safeguard public interests from the opposition must be duly recognised. This could be through certificates, awards, or other means, so they can use this experience when entering national politics in the future. This will enhance leadership development opportunities and position student politics not just as a fragment of student life, but as a preparatory phase for national leadership.
The existing student unions must adhere to these rules and principles. Moreover, leadership selection must break free from the cycle of blind allegiance. A true leader is not chosen by the weight of their connections but by the strength of their character. Student representatives should be selected based on intellect, vision, and ethical leadership, not by their ability to echo party lines. Universities should introduce leadership training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and structured selection processes that ensure only the most capable individuals rise to positions of responsibility. Furthermore, alongside political science courses in universities, specialised courses on leadership development could be introduced, enabling students to truly understand the essence of politics. Imagine a future where student leaders are not just activists but well-trained policymakers, equipped with the knowledge to navigate complex national issues. This is not an impossible dream—it is a necessary evolution.
The integrity of student elections must be upheld with unwavering commitment. A democratic process tainted by manipulation is a lesson in failure, not leadership. Student elections must be conducted with absolute fairness, free from intimidation or external influence. Just as a bridge must be built on solid foundations to stand the test of time, student democracy must be built on transparency and accountability. Universities should create independent election commissions, ensure fair voting mechanisms, and establish strict monitoring systems to prevent any form of malpractice. An election should be a contest of ideas, not a game of power.
Another key transformation lies in redefining the relationship between student politics and national political parties. While ideology is natural, absolute dependence on external influences has weakened the independent voice of student leadership. As stated before, student organisations must be driven by principles—justice, democracy, equality—not by the shifting tides of party interests. Instead of serving as mere extensions of larger political movements, they must focus on real student concerns—education policies, campus development, and leadership training. Imagine a student political culture where debates focus not on party rivalries but on policies that directly impact student life. This shift will restore student politics to its rightful place as a breeding ground for future statesmen and policymakers.
Beyond elections and leadership, accountability must be the cornerstone of student governance. Power without responsibility is like a ship without a radar—it will eventually lose its way. Student leaders must be held to high ethical standards, with regular performance reviews, open discussions, and structured feedback mechanisms. Universities should implement leadership evaluation programmes that recognise not just those in government but also those in constructive opposition. A vibrant student political culture must embrace debate, dissent, and policy-driven decision-making. Leadership is not just about holding a position; it is about proving one’s worth through action.
Education and politics should not be rivals; they should complement each other. Universities should introduce leadership and governance courses, where students learn the art of negotiation, policy-making, and conflict resolution. Student politics should not be a chaotic struggle for influence but an intellectual journey that prepares young minds for future national service. Just as engineers learn the science of construction and doctors master the art of healing, future leaders must be trained in governance, ethics, and democratic practice. A student who learns politics through discipline and knowledge will lead with wisdom, not just ambition.
For too long, student politics in Bangladesh has been an untamed fire—burning fiercely but often without direction. It is time to shape that fire into a guiding light, one that illuminates the path to progress rather than consuming its own foundation. The destiny of student politics does not have to be written in the ink of discord; it can be rewritten with the vision of a new beginning.
The choice is ours. Do we allow student politics to remain an echo of lost ideals, or do we reclaim its true essence as a platform for leadership, democracy, and national development? The tides of change are rising, and the winds of reform are calling. A new dawn awaits—one where student politics is not a battlefield but a bridge to a brighter future. It is time to answer that call, not with silence, but with action.
The writer is a student of department of Political Science ,University of Rajshahi .He can be reached at Email: s2211143179@ru.ac.bd
