Bangladesh's universities have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately – plagiarism, sexual harassment, incidents akin to rape, student suicides, and administrative impropriety. These unsavory events are somehow connected to politics or political affiliations, as reported in the newspapers.
Amidst this turmoil, the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has found itself in the spotlight once again. However, the focus is not on education or research, but rather on an ongoing student movement to prevent the resumption of political activities on campus.
After the tragic beating death of student Abrar Fahad in 2019, BUET issued a ban on political activities. Recently, the High Court ruled that there are no longer any legal obstacles to student politics at BUET. In response, the university's vice-chancellor stated that the court's order is supreme. Meanwhile, general students continue to protest, asserting their desire to study without fear.
The primary function of a university should be education and research. However, the potential return of student politics at BUET raises concerns about its impact on academic quality and campus safety. Will the resumption of political activities improve the quality of education and research at BUET, propelling it to the ranks of the world's top universities? Or will it lead to an increase in student oppression, sexual harassment, and incidents like Abrar Fahad's murder?
BUET's history is marred by casualties of student politics, including the deaths of Sabekun Nahar Sony in 2002 and Arif Raihan Dwip in 2013. The ban on student politics, instituted after Abrar Fahad's killing, brought a sense of safety and belonging to the campus, where freshers no longer lived in fear of ragging and abuse.
The recent incident of a program organized under the banner of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), despite the ban on student politics, has reignited concerns among students. While they have no issue with the National Mourning Day program itself, they object to its association with a political group, which violates the established rules.
Critics argue that the absence of student politics could pave the way for extremist groups on campus. However, this narrative fails to acknowledge the diverse religious backgrounds of the students supporting the protest against political activities.
Ultimately, the students' primary objective is to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment, free from the fear and oppression that have plagued BUET's past. Their fight is not against any specific political group but against the potential return of the toxic culture that once permeated the campus.
As BUET grapples with this contentious issue, the question remains: what will be the outcome of the return of student politics? Will it elevate the university's academic standing, or will it reopen the doors to the very issues that the students fought so hard to eradicate?
How Politics Impact University Life?
On many public university campuses in Bangladesh, being associated with student politics is often seen as a necessity rather than a choice. Hall seat allocations and other privileges are frequently tied to participation in political activities, leaving non-affiliated students at a disadvantage.
"I didn't find my name on the list for hall seats because I didn't participate in political programs or lobby well with the 'big brothers,'" said Shohanur Rahman, a resident of Dhaka University's Bijoy Ekattor Hall. “I believe in merit-based seat allocation, monitored by the university administration. Students should have the freedom to engage in politics if they choose, but it shouldn't be a prerequisite for basic facilities.”
Abdullah Al Imran, a resident of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, shared a similar experience: “I was ousted from my legal room by students who occupied it, and they didn't leave even when the house tutors asked them to. The halls are run by student political leaders, not the administration. While these groups should represent the students' interests, they often abuse their power to further their own agendas.”
Mandatory Participation and Coercion
Attending political programs and rallies is often not optional for hall residents. Students are frequently coerced into joining these events to secure their hall allocations and remain in the good graces of those in charge.
"Students are often forced to participate in programs, even when they have classes or exams," said Tanjila akhter of Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall. "Making participation mandatory puts immense pressure on those who simply want to focus on their studies and secure decent hall accommodations."
Mohiuddin Mahi, a resident of Shaheed Dr. Fazle Rabbi Hall at Dhaka Medical College, highlighted the long-term implications: “The seats allocated by the college authority are often redistributed by political groups within a few months. If you're not a member, getting decent hall seats becomes nearly impossible. Moreover, in the medical field, political lobbying is often necessary to secure desirable training posts after internships.”
The 'Guestroom Culture' and Ragging
Perhaps the most severe cases of abuse occur in the so-called "guestroom culture," where junior students are "educated" by their senior hallmates on the rules they must abide by to stay in the halls. These rules are often implemented by those with political influence, leading to widespread ragging and bullying.
"The guestroom culture is a process of 'disciplining' students in the common rooms," explained Afsar Munna of Sir A F Rahman Hall. “Freshmen have to greet seniors in a specific way, and failing to do so can result in verbal abuse, slapping, and other punishments at night. Second-year students even forbid freshers from eating in their hall canteens.”
Overlooked by Authorities, Reinforced by Power Dynamics
Ragging and bullying by politically affiliated individuals are frequently overlooked by university authorities. The entire system, from hall administration to campus living, is influenced by political parties at every step.
"The sexual harassment cell is filled with faculty members who often resort to victim-blaming when complaints are filed against those with political affiliations," said Adrita Kabir of Jahangirnagar University. “The process of filing a complaint and obtaining a verdict is extremely tedious and exhausting. Ragging is treated differently when perpetrated by those with political connections.”
Conflicts between rival political groups or factions within the same group disrupt the academic environment, a recurring issue in public universities.
"There are 11 political groups for 11 residential halls," said Sumaia Sanjana of Chittagong University's Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia Hall. “Peace is never an option when there are so many groups, and they constantly fight among themselves. Sometimes, students sever the shuttle train connection between the city and the campus after incidents, leaving non-affiliated students stranded.”
Positive Contributions and Representation
While the power dynamics within universities often lead to unsavory incidents, political organizations also take steps to assist students on campus by providing services.
"Student politics is often portrayed negatively in the media, but we engage in many student-friendly activities as well," said Badhan Dev, Deputy Secretary of BCL at Dhaka University's Jagannath Hall branch. “During this year's admission tests, we helped students by providing necessary equipment and resources.”
Adnan Aziz Chowdhury, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Students Union at Dhaka University, highlighted their efforts: "We are currently working for student freedom, actively demanding the repeal of the DSA and opposing the DPA. We have held movements on these issues, as well as protests against the privatization of education and the imposition of VAT on education."
Striking a Balance
Regardless of the perceived positives and negatives of student politics on campus, politically inclined student bodies often serve as the key negotiators with authorities and the only credible student body representatives in addressing campus issues.
While it's tempting to paint all student political groups with the same brush and call for outright bans, university authorities need to identify the specific problems created by these groups and how the general student population suffers due to the actions of a few miscreants. Only then can the spirit of student politics that earned Bangladesh its independence be sustained and contribute to the country's progress.
