In any society, educational institutions are more than just places of learning—they are spaces where future leaders are molded and where the values that underpin a nation are nurtured. One of the most significant mechanisms for fostering leadership and democratic engagement within these institutions is the student council commonly known as Chhatra Sangsad in Bangladesh. Elected by the student body, these councils give young people a voice and a platform to advocate for their rights, express their concerns, and participate in shaping the environment around them.

But the influence of student councils extends far beyond campus. Historically, these bodies have played pivotal roles in social movements, political reforms, and even revolutions. In Bangladesh, this legacy is especially rich, as student councils have long been at the forefront of the country’s most important democratic struggles. Today, the need for student councils remains as urgent as ever, not just for their role in advocacy, but for their ability to develop leadership and cultivate democratic practices among young people.

Student Councils: Training Grounds for Leadership and Democracy

At the heart of a functioning democracy lies the principle of representation, and within schools and universities, student councils are a microcosm of this. They represent the student body, allowing young people to voice their concerns and participate in decisions that affect their daily lives. Whether it’s about academic policies, campus facilities, or student welfare, student councils act as a conduit between students and university administrations.

Developing Leadership Skills

Leadership isn’t just something you learn in books. It comes from experience—stepping into roles of responsibility, navigating challenges, and making tough decisions. Student councils give students the opportunity to do just that. From organizing events to negotiating with university authorities, students serving in these councils learn the essential skills of leadership: communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to advocate for others.

Through these experiences, students gain more than just a title—they develop the qualities that will define them as leaders in their future careers, communities, and possibly even in the political arena. The lessons learned in student councils can be transformative, as young people learn to balance the interests of their peers, represent diverse viewpoints, and work towards common goals. 

Instilling Democratic Values

Democracy is about more than just voting every few years; it’s about continuous participation in civic life. Through student council elections, students engage in democratic practices at a micro level, learning how to campaign, debate, and vote responsibly. This early exposure to the mechanics of democracy helps students understand the value of representation, accountability, and the importance of making informed decisions.

By participating in these processes, students internalize the principles that sustain democratic systems: fairness, equality, transparency, and the protection of individual rights. When student councils operate effectively, they mirror the larger democratic structures that govern societies, preparing students to be informed and active citizens in the future.

Catalysts for Change

Bangladesh’s history is deeply intertwined with student activism. Time and again, students have taken the lead in shaping the political and social landscape of the nation. The student councils, in particular, have been pivotal in moments of national crisis and transformation, standing as defenders of democracy, justice, and human rights.

The 1952 Language Movement: A Defining Moment

One of the earliest and most iconic examples of student activism in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) is the 1952 Language Movement. At the time, the Pakistani government sought to impose Urdu as the national language, disregarding the linguistic and cultural identity of the Bengali-speaking majority. Students from Dhaka University organized protests, demanding that Bengali be recognized as an official language. Their courage in the face of violent repression—several students were killed in clashes with police—marked a turning point in the fight for Bengali identity and rights. The movement laid the foundation for future political mobilization, embedding the student community as a key force for social justice.

The 1969 Mass Uprising: Students Leading the Charge

Another major chapter in the history of student activism came during the 1969 Mass Uprising. Once again, it was students who organized and led protests against the authoritarian regime of President Ayub Khan. They formed alliances with political leaders and mobilized mass protests demanding political reform, the release of political prisoners, and the restoration of democracy. The student-led uprising was instrumental in Ayub Khan’s resignation, further establishing students as powerful agents of political change.

The 1971 Liberation War: The Ultimate Sacrifice

When Bangladesh fought for independence from Pakistan in 1971, students were at the forefront of the liberation struggle. Many of the country’s leading freedom fighters and political organizers were former student council leaders who had honed their leadership skills in earlier protests and movements. Student unions, particularly at Dhaka University, played a crucial role in organizing resistance efforts, with many students sacrificing their lives for the cause of independence. Their courage and commitment not only shaped the outcome of the war but also solidified the student council’s place in the nation’s history as defenders of freedom and democracy.

The July Revolution: A New Chapter in Student Activism

In recent years, student-led movements have once again come to the forefront of Bangladesh’s political landscape. The July 2024 Revolution, which saw the downfall of a 15-year authoritarian regime, was driven largely by students. Protesting government corruption, human rights abuses, and the erosion of democratic institutions, university students organized mass demonstrations that ultimately led to the ousting of the regime. This modern-day revolution reaffirmed the enduring power of student activism and highlighted the need for democratic structures, like student councils, to channel youth energy into constructive change.

The Impact of Partisan Politics: A Growing Threat

Despite this proud legacy, student councils in Bangladesh face significant challenges today, particularly the rise of partisan student politics. Over the past few decades, the absence of student council elections in many universities has left a vacuum that has been filled by politically affiliated student wings. These groups often prioritize the interests of their parent political parties over the needs of the students they claim to represent.

The Consequences of Partisan Politics

The growing influence of partisan politics on campuses has had damaging effects. Instead of fostering democratic engagement, these groups frequently engage in violent clashes, intimidation, and coercion, leaving students disillusioned with the idea of student politics. In many cases, these factions have acted not as representatives of the student body, but as enforcers of the ruling party’s agenda, suppressing legitimate dissent and stifling student activism.

This has eroded trust in student councils and left many students feeling disconnected from the governance of their own institutions. Without the opportunity to elect their own representatives, students have little say in how their universities are run, and their concerns—about everything from academic policies to campus safety—go unaddressed.

The Path Forward: Reviving Democratic Student Councils

To counter the harmful effects of partisan politics and restore faith in student leadership, it is crucial to revive democratic student council elections. Only through free, fair, and independent elections can students once again take control of their own governance and advocate for their collective interests.

Restoring Democratic Processes

Reviving student councils means more than just holding elections—it means reinstating the democratic culture that has been lost in recent years. Elections should be free from the influence of external political parties, allowing students to vote for representatives who genuinely have their best interests at heart. This would empower students to reclaim their voice and play an active role in shaping their educational experience.

Building Future Leaders

By reinstating student councils, we can also foster the next generation of leaders. Student leaders are not only advocates for their peers—they are also role models and future leaders of society. By giving students the chance to participate in governance, we prepare them to take on greater roles in their communities, their professions, and, in some cases, in the political life of the nation.

Encouraging Civic Engagement

Finally, democratic student councils encourage civic engagement, helping students become informed and active citizens. By learning how to navigate governance, negotiate solutions, and advocate for justice, students internalize the principles of democracy. This engagement doesn’t end with graduation—it extends into society, where former student leaders often become influential figures in shaping national policies and advocating for social justice.

In conclusion, student councils are not just a fixture of academic life—they are vital institutions that foster leadership, promote democratic values, and advocate for the rights of students. In Bangladesh, their historical significance cannot be overstated. From the Language Movement to the Liberation War to the recent July Revolution, student councils have been at the forefront of some of the most pivotal moments in the nation’s history.

Yet today, their role is under threat from partisan politics and the absence of democratic processes. Reviving student council elections is essential, not only for the welfare of students but for the broader health of democracy in Bangladesh. By reinstating these councils, we can develop the next generation of leaders, foster civic engagement, and ensure that educational institutions remain spaces of learning, growth, and empowerment.

The future of Bangladesh’s democracy depends on its young people, and student councils offer the platform they need to lead the way.