Politics
6 days ago

BSRC hosts meeting calling for new form of student politics

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Speakers at a meeting on Sunday emphasized the need for student politics that prioritizes student rights, promotes democracy, and fosters coexistence among all parties, while steering clear of sycophancy.

They also highlighted the importance of conducting regular student council elections.

The Bangladesh Student Rights Council’s Dhaka University unit organized the discussion titled “What Kind of Student Politics Do We Want After the July Uprising?”

The event took place at the TSC premises of Dhaka University and featured contributions from leaders of various student organizations, as well as teachers and students, who shared their perspectives on the future of student politics.

Former Ducsu Vice-President Nurul Haque Nur asserted that his current position stems from his involvement in student politics. He criticized attempts to ban political activities, arguing that such moves are often aimed at advancing personal agendas. Instead, he called for the establishment of a democratic environment that allows student politics to thrive.

Nur highlighted the physical coercion used by student organizations linked to the ruling party to expand their influence, often with the backing of certain faculty members. He recounted being injured multiple times while advocating for students’ rights, noting that only a handful of teachers at Dhaka University actively oppose these injustices. He urged the university administration to take a stronger stance against such malpractice.

Nuru called for autonomy for all universities and for the banning of the Awami League and all its affiliated organizations.

Rushad Faridi, assistant professor at the Economics Department of Dhaka University, said that political parties view educational institutions as political entities. He stated that outside forces cannot control students, so they resort to occupying dormitory seats to hold students hostage.

He remarked that everyone wants to end malpractice, not politics, asserting that universities should be places for political discussion also. He noted that many gain the courage to engage in malpractice due to the absence of the rule of law.

“Student politics cannot be banned, as it would foster authoritarian governance,” said Professor Dr. Nasir Uddin Ahmed from the English Department of Jagannath University. He mentioned that student politics is essential for safeguarding national interests and students’ rights.

He added that while student organizations may have ties to political parties, they should not attack others based on orders from anyone else. Organizations entering politics should work for the rights of students.

Mohammad Bin Yamin, President of the Bangladesh Student Rights Council, emphasized that student politics should operate independently of party affiliations and sycophancy, advocating for internal democratic practices within student organizations. He called for merit-based, democratic, and intellectually competitive environments that encourage healthy competition for the support of students.

Yamin urged the university administration to set a date for DUCSU elections to cultivate a conducive democratic atmosphere.

Leaders from various political parties also contributed to the discussion during the meeting.

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