Should student politics be banned in Bangladeshi universities?
Students politics in Bangladesh in its current form leads to violence, exploitation, and regret. Bangladesh should consider phasing it out and foster critical thinking skills-based education instead
Student politics in Bangladesh has long been a contentious issue, oscillating between serving as a platform for leadership development and becoming a breeding ground for violence, corruption and missed opportunities.
Political engagement can potentially develop leadership skills and enhance civic understanding, but the situation at our universities indicates otherwise. The extreme factionalism, incidents of campus violence and the regrets expressed by former student politicians raise a critical question: Should student politics continue in Bangladeshi universities, or is it time for a change?
The tragic murder of Abrar Fahad, a BUET student, in 2019 serves as a heart-breaking reminder of the violence that can occur due to student politics. The tribunal made a difficult but necessary decision to impose maximum penalties on those involved, sentencing 20 BUET students to death and five others to life imprisonment. This action aimed to seek justice for Abrar and to help prevent such horrific tragedies from occurring in the future. However, the aftermath did not bring about the hoped-for change.
University life is meant to be a time for learning, personal growth and career preparation. Yet, for thousands of Bangladeshi students, their academic years are overshadowed by political fights on campus. Many first-year students, lured by promises of power, protection and financial benefits, are entangled in student organisations affiliated with national political parties. However, the initial excitement often turns into regret as they realise they were merely pawns in a larger political game.
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From factional fights to politically motivated assaults, student politics in Bangladesh has become synonymous with campus unrest. Many students have lost academic years due to injuries, suspensions or forced disappearances. Political affiliations often convert friends into enemies, creating a divide between student groups that fosters hatred, stays beyond university life and affects personal and professional relationships.
While student leaders enjoy certain perks, ordinary activists who protest, fight and take risks are often left behind. Many regret their involvement, realising that they were used as tools to elevate the careers of their so-called leaders. Engaging in student politics frequently means skipping classes, neglecting studies and delaying graduation. While some leaders secure government jobs through political ties, many activists struggle to build stable careers due to their disrupted education.
Supporters of student politics argue that it facilitates leadership, activism and democratic engagement. Historically, student movements have played crucial roles in Bangladesh's independence, democracy and social change. However, the modern reality of student politics is far removed from these noble ideals. Instead of nurturing future leaders with ethical values, it has become a system characterised by political patronage, violence and careerism.
For most families, the expectation from a university-going child is straightforward: study well, graduate on time and build a successful career. Student politics often leads to the opposite outcome. Parents worry about their children's safety, fear academic delays and resent the culture of violence and hostility that student politics fosters. While a few may benefit from political connections, most student politicians and their families see no tangible rewards—only regrets.
The world's top universities—Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and others—do not have student wings of national political parties. While student activism exists, it tends to be issue-based and non-violent, allowing students to express their opinions without jeopardising their academic and personal futures.
Bangladeshi universities should embrace a similar approach. They should promote critical thinking instead of blind political loyalty. Universities can foster leadership skills through debate clubs, research projects and community initiatives. They should establish student councils that operate independently from national parties. This will help students engage in policy discussions without outside political pressure. Additionally, the focus should be on education, entrepreneurship and skills training. This will prepare students for global opportunities rather than political conflicts.
Banning student politics outright may not be the perfect solution, as political awareness is essential. However, student politics in its current form—violent, exploitative and divisive—has little place in a progressive Bangladesh. Universities should be centres of learning, innovation and constructive debate, not battlegrounds for party-based conflicts.
Students should take a moment to reflect: "Do I want to be used for someone else's political gain, or do I want to focus on my future?" Their choice will shape their personal lives and the future of the nation. Now is the time for universities to redefine student engagement—one that builds leaders, not foot soldiers.
Shafiq R Bhuiyan is a storyteller who examines the intersection of social progress, effective communication, cultural development, and corporate social responsibility while sharing insights to inspire change.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
