i

Student Politics at University Campuses;

Context Bangladesh

Department of Anthropology

University of Chittagong

ii

Student Politics at University Campuses;

Context Bangladesh

Prepared by

Masum Ahmad

ID 14405094

4th

Year BSS (hon‟s)

Session- 2013-14

Department of Anthropology

University of Chittagong

…………………….………………………….………………………….…………

This monograph is prepared by a student of Department of Anthropology,

University of Chittagong. It‟s a part of 4th

year syllabus of this department that is

compulsory for a student as a course of four credit.

iii

Student Politics at University Campuses;

Context Bangladesh

Supervision of

…………………….……

N.M Sajjadul Hoque

Associate Professor

Department of Anthropology

University of Chittagong

iv

Acknowledgements

First I want to thank to Almighty Allah for providing me the opportunity, strength and

ability to conduct this monograph. I express sincere gratitude to my excellent and

inspiring Supervisor, N.M Sajjadul Hoque, who helped me in every stages of this study

with patience and care. He not only challenged me intellectually throughout the process

of the whole study but also provided me valuable suggestions. Some of my friends form

different Universities of Bangladesh helped me during data collection and inspired me a

lot. I acknowledge their support and inspiration. Thanks to Abu Sale Masum, Farid

Uddin, Gulam Mustafa from University of Dhaka, Naeef Rahman, Nazmul Hasan Razib

from North South University and others who provided moral support to me. Furthermore,

I am grateful to all the students, student leaders, teachers and other respondents who have

helped me by providing data for this study. Without their contribution this investigation

would not have been feasible. I must thank my beloved department, Department of

Anthropology, University of Chittagong for providing me the opportunity to work for a

research monograph.

Finally, I am the most grateful person in this planet that I have a family with my parents,

uncles, aunties and siblings and I serve my heartiest gratefulness to my parents, uncles,

aunties, sisters and brothers for their moral support in every step of my life. Special

thanks goes to my parents and my uncles who always gave me strength to go forward and

work for the nation and to make the country great.

University of Chittagong, 25 July 2018

Masum Ahmad

v

Table of Content

Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………….....……. iv

Abstract ……………………………………………………………………………… ix

Chapter one

Research proposal and relevancy

1.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………..… 02

1.2 Proposal …………………………………………………………………………… 02

1.3 Objectives of the study ……………………………………………………………. 03

1.4 Chapter Distribution ………………………………………….………………...... 03

1.5 Conclusion: ………………………………………………………………………. 03

Chapter Two

Research methodology

2.1 Methodology ……...……………………………………….….…………………… 05

2.2 Field work ………………………………………………………………………..... 05

2.3 Interview …………………………………………………...…….………………... 06

2.4 Focus group discussion ………………………………..……...……………...…… 06

2.5 Use of related books, journals and newspapers ...…………...……………….…. 07

2.6 Use of Notes …………………………………………………………………………

07

2.7 Strengths of the study ………………………………………..…………………… 07

2.8 Limitations of the study .......................................................................................… 08

2.9 Ethical consideration …………………………………….……..……………..….. 08

2.10 Locational Concentration ..…………………………….………………………... 08

vi

2.11 Data Analysis and presentation ………………………….………..……………. 09

2.12 Time frame ..…………………………………………………………………...… 09

2.13 The respondents ………………………………………………………….……… 09

2.14 Experience of field work ……………………………………………………...…. 09

2.16 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………….. 10

Chapter three

Literature Review and theoretical framework

3.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………….. 12

3.2 Literature review ………………………………………………………………..... 12

3.3 National development and student politics in Bangladesh ..……………………. 12

3.4 Student Politics in the third world .......................................................…………. 13

3.5 Student politics in America: a historical analysis …………………………..…... 14

3.6 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er-Etihash 1830-1952 ………………..……….… 15

3.7 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er- Etihash 1953- 1969 …………………….…… 15

3.8 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er- Etihash 1830- 1971 …………………………. 15

3.9 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………….……

16

Chapter four

Introduction to politics and student politics

4.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………..… 18

4.2 Politics ………………….………………………….………………………….…… 18

4.3 Student politics …………………….………………………….………………....... 18

4.4 Student politics worldwide …………………….………………………….……… 19

vii

3.5 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………… 20

Chapter five

Background of Student politics

5.1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………… 22

5.2 Background of student politics in Bangladesh …………………….…………..... 22

5.3 Three most popular student political Party ….………………….…………...….. 23

5.4 Bangladesh Chatra League ……………………….…………………………...…. 24

5.5 Bangladesh JatiotabadiChatra Dal ……………………….……………………... 25

5.6 Bangladesh IslamiChhatrashibir ………………………….…………………....... 25

5.7 Conclusion: …………………………………………………………………………

25

Chapter six

Understanding of student politics in the context of Bangladesh.

6.1 Introduction ……………….……………….……………….……………………... 27

6.2 Present situation of Bangladeshi student politics ……………….………………. 27

6.3 Students‟ involvement in party politics ……………….……………………...…. 28

6.4 Reasons motivating students towards „party politics‟ in Bangladesh ……….… 28

6.5 Merits of student‟s politics in the context of Bangladesh ……………….……… 29

6.6 Demerits of student‟s politics in the context of Bangladesh ………………….... 29

6.7 Why a brilliant student should come to politics ……………….……………….. 31

6.8 Conclusion ……………….……………….……………………….…………….… 32

viii

Chapter seven:

Findings and Discussion:

7.1 Introduction ……………….……………….……………….………………..……. 34

7.2 Findings and discussion ……………….……………….……………….………… 34

7.3 Views about student politics ……………….……………….……………….….… 34

7.4 The motives behind joining student politics ……………….……………………. 36

7.5 Reformation of the model of student politics ……………….………………...… 37

7.6 Conclusion: ……………….……………….……………….……………………… 39

Chapter eight:

Conclusion and references

8.1 Conclusion ……………….……………….……………….………………………. 41

8.2 References ……………….……………….……………….……………………..… 42

ix

Abstract:

Bangladeshi student politics has glorious history. It took place in every movement for the

nation before. But in this present time we see the changed scenario in this field of

politics. We see lots of talent students are not interested in student politics. We the talent

students to hate student‟s politics even.

In every university campus we see violence between two parties of student‟s political

party. Sometimes we see violence between two groups of some party.

We see some student leaders disturb general students and general students are face lots of

problems for this reasons. Political leaders have to man power and property to face any

difficulties but sometimes general students don‟t have that.

In this study I tried to know the reasons why general students those who are not engaged

in student politics don‟t come to politics and why those who are engage in polities come

to politics.

If I say shortly, most of the students are not interested in student politics because of

student politics lost its glory. It is a matter to lose the career even.

The students I got engaged in politics are because they can lead the campus and they have

extra power and property although they are not interested to answer the reasons of getting

property without involving in any job.

- 1 -

Chapter one:

Research proposal and relevancy

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Proposal

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.4 Chapter Distribution

1.5 Conclusion

- 2 -

Chapter one:

Research proposal and relevancy

1.1 Introduction

Students, specially students of higher education are much more aware of not only their

own rights and claims but also claim the interest of their countries. Being inspired by

nationalism, students have taken part in liberation wars against the colonial powers in

many countries, and at the same time students have mobilized for academic issues.

Bangladesh has the experience of liberation war and participation of the students of

higher education in 1971. Student‟s movement took place in 1952 for the movement of

mother language. Students went out to road and sacrificed their lives for the nation. But

this time we see student politics is not interested to the majority of students. This study

attempted to explore the main reasons to hate politics by students and also to know why

to be interested to politics.

Though there are many student organizations in every university campus but we see three

major organizations in every campus named Bangladesh Chattra league-BCL,

Bangladesh JatiotabadiChattra Dal-BJCD and Bangladesh IslamiChattraShibir. These

three organizations are leading university campuses. By law, the political parties of

Bangladesh have their student wings (Siddiqui 1997). Hence, JCD is the student wing of

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) while BCL is associated with Bangladesh Awami

League (AL) and Bangladesh IslamiChattraShibir is under Bangladesh Jamat-e-Islami. In

this introductory part I will give a short introductory of these three organizations.

1.2 Proposal

Students Politics changed its color in Bangladesh. In 1952 students Politics took place for

the language movement, In 1971 Students came to war for the nation. In every crisis

moment we see a crucial role played by student political party.

But nowadays we see it‟s totally different. Most of the talent students are not interested to

student‟s politics. They are only concern on their own career.

For all these reasons I wanted to explore the reasons of negative mind on politics. I

wanted to know why a student goes away from politics.

On the other hand we see lots of students are very much interested in student politics. I

wanted to know why they are interested in politics.

- 3 -

1.3 Objectives of the study

I had two major pulpous on this issue of study.

1. To know why most of the students are not interested in students politics.

2. To know why some of the students are engaged in students politics

1.4 Chapter Distribution

I distributed my monograph paper in eight chapters. I talked introductory in the first

chapter of my monograph.

In the second chapter I talked on the methodology of my work and in third chapter

literature review took place where I talked on 6 articles and books.

In fourth chapter I talked on introductory of politics and student politics.

The fifth chapter contains the background of student politics where I also included three

major student organizations of Bangladesh named Bangladesh Chatra League,

Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal, and Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir:

The six chapter is on involvement of students in politics and the merits and demerits of

student politics.

In the seventh chapter I talked on the findings of my work and I described them here.

In the eighth chapter I conclude my work and give references of my data collection.

1.5 Conclusion:

The issue of student politics is a demand of this time and we should have knowledge on

this issue. I tried to present properly my proposal of this research and study objectives of

this issue. In this first chapter I describe the chapter distribution of my work here that will

make easy to understand the paper to read for a reader.

- 4 -

Chapter Two:

Research methodology

2.1 Methodology

2.2 Field work

2.3 Interview

2.4 Focus group discussion

2.5 Use of related books, journals and newspapers

2.6 Use of Notes

2.7 Strengths of the study

2.8 Limitations of the study

2.9 Ethical consideration

2.10 Locational Concentration

2.11 Data Analysis and presentation

2.12 Time frame

2.13 The respondents

2.14 Experience of field work

2.16 Conclusion

- 5 -

Chapter Two:

Research methodology

2.1 Methodology

Research Approach and Methodology Words, especially when they are organized into

incidents or stories, have a concrete, vivid, meaningful flavor that often proves far more

convincing to a researcher – another researcher, a policy maker, a practitioner – than

pages of numbers. So it is not surprising to see more and more researchers committed

to qualitative data collection – enough so in educational research (Miles and Huberman

1984: 15).

Here qualitative and quantitative data were collected. This chapter delineates the

research questions, approach and methodology, and describes the data collection

techniques. Instrument development, field work, strengths and limitations and ethical

consideration of the study are also part of this chapter.

2.2 Field work

I collected all the data by myself. But I got help from my friends and juniors and seniors

of deferent Universities. The data were collected during May 25 to June 13, 2018. As a

student of Chittagong University I could work in my university easily. But in Dhaka

University and North South University, I had to stay there. It was not so much difficult

for me to stay in Dhaka. I studied in Dhaka before getting admission in University of

Chittagong and that is why I have place to stay in Dhaka and I could move frequently to

University of Dhaka. Some of my former friends and juniors are studying in Dhaka

University and North South University, who helped me to get respondents for interviews.

When I called the respondent and gave my identity, most of them became agree for

interview. Some of the students were not ready for interview because of my research

topic. They are worried about talking on student politics. I got two students engaged with

politics refused me to give their interview. I set the time and place for meeting with the

respondents after a discussion with them. Most of the interviews I have taken on their

own university premise. With the permission I used tape recorder for 10 interviews. I

interviewed some student leaders and students in their hall and some in their faculty

building and others are in some field where we can talk. I got some students who has

some extra power and property before completing study. Some students earn by their

tuition. But leaders are not agree to answer the question. Some of them were asking me

about my political view because of asking questions on different issues. Actually they

were trying to understand me but I was very careful about it.

- 6 -

2.3 Interview

Talking with the people, we can attempt to understand about their world and life. In the

social studies, the researchers frequently try to understand the different phenomena of

human beings. To do so, the researchers listen to what the people themselves tell about

their lived world, hear them express their views and opinions in their own words, learn

about their views on their work situation and family life, their dreams and hopes (Kvale

1996).

To describe the aims of research interview, Kvale has written, The qualitative research

interview attempts to understand the world from the subjects‟ point of view, to unfold the

meaning of peoples‟ experience, to uncover their lived world prior to scientific

explanations (Kvale 1996: 1).

Through interview, the social researchers yield rich insights into peoples biographies,

experiences, opinions, values, aspirations, attitudes and feelings (May 2001). Of the

different type of interviews, structured, semi-structured and informal, the qualitative

interview has a harmony with semi-structured interview (Kvale 1996).

To illustrate the characteristics of qualitative interview, (Mason 1996: 38) said,

“Qualitative interview is usually intended to refer to in-depth, semi structured or loosely

structured forms of interviewing”. In qualitative interview, the researcher cannot keep

him/herself away from the research process rather the role of the researcher is very

important in qualitative interview.

In my study, using unstructured interview, I have interviewed the 30 students to explore

their view on student politics. I interviewed 10 students from Chittagong University, 10

students from Dhaka University and 10 from North South University.

2.4 Focus group discussion

Focus group discussion with the students was held in front of the faculty of social science

at University of Chittagong. Number of participants were ten in the discussion. The

students were willing to help me. Students were very spontaneous to share their thinking.

However, there were some silent participants in the discussion. I invited them to take part

in discussion. I observed some dominant speakers in the discussion. To manage the

dominant speakers, I requested them politely to hear from others. I was careful so that the

dominant speakers do not turn to inactive. As I found a dominant speaker had many

things to say, I interviewed him later. He provided important information for the study.

- 7 -

2.5 Use of related books, journals and newspapers

I the issue of my research I had to study a lot first. It was badly in need for me to study

for preparing myself to conduct interview. So I took help from lots of articles from well-

known and politically unbiased Daily newspapers and websites. I had to read some books

to get knowledge in this issue. I got no books or articles on my issue of study but I got

some books and articles related with my issue those helped me to work on my research. I

also used Wikipedia for some supplementary data.

2.6 Use of Notes:

In my interviews I had not questions ready but I was little bit prepared to talking points

so that I can continue my interviews. My interviews were not formal so that using of

notes were little different. I had a notepad in my hand and I used it sometimes to write

only some key words. I could not write all the things elaborately but my key words

remind me the things later when I was writing about interview materials.

2.7 Strengths of the study

The strengths of the study are stated below.

1. First strength of the study for me is this is my first experience to make a research

monograph. Before that I worked with some projects and that was others‟ papers.

This time I am publishing my own paper.

2. The issue of my study is a biggest strength for me. Student politics take part in

every society and I am working on this burning issue.

3. Students curiously asked me about the findings of the study

4. It was a study on present situation so there is no scope to change or miss some

data.

5. Using multiple techniques of collecting same data provided me to see the validity

of collected data.

6. The culture, context and environment of the field were known to me. So I could

easily understand the student‟s views.

7. There was no problem of language. My and their language was same.

- 8 -

2.8 Limitations of the study

Limitations of the study have been observed are stated below.

1. There is no book or article on my studied issue. I felt a scarcity of related literature

about the studied issue.

2. The knowledge of the researcher is a limitation for every research because the

quality of the study cannot overcome the knowledge of the researcher.

3. As a novice researcher I was little bit worried if I make some mistakes.

2.9 Ethical consideration

In the past several decades, while conducting ethnographic field work, anthropologists

weren't particularly concerned with ethical dilemmas and the impact of their research on

the people that they were studying.

Today, anthropologists have a much better understanding of the importance and

prominence of ethical dilemmas. All research, particularly field work, has an impact on

the people in question that are being studied. Accordingly, anthropologists must ensure

that their work does not negatively impact others and that they do not profit from another

cultural group without giving something back to the community. Anthropologists are to

follow many ethical concerns like honesty anonymity and objectivity etc.

During the interview I gradually told to the respondents about the objectives of my

research. I didn‟t hide anything of my study what they wanted to know. I think I didn‟t

violate any ethical issues of my respondents. I was willing to record the interview and all

the time I asked their consent. I was careful about the given information by the

respondents. I did didn‟t share with others. Some respondents were willing to hide their

actual names and position. I kept them anonymous.

2.10 Locational Concentration

It was very difficult to choose location where I can find data according to my issue. There

are about two hundred universities in Bangladesh. I had to think a lot on this fact. It was

impossible for me to go to every university for this research. Besides my thinking I talked

to my teacher and I selected four universities where I can work.

Three Universities are:

1. University of Chittagong

2. University of Dhaka

3. North south University

- 9 -

2.11 Data Analysis and presentation

Data analysis is very important in any anthropological research. I completed my work of

study according to the data I received from respondent of my filed and I analysis them

very carefully. I was very careful when I was presenting the words. I tried to present it

scientifically. I distributed the data in some part according to the issue.

2.12 Time frame

I completed my research work in three phases. In the very begging phase, read some

books and articles according to the issue of monograph.

In the second phase, I went to field and collected all the data. It was in May 25 to June

13, 2018. I visited three Universities.

In the third and last phase, I analyze and reanalyze the data illustrate my monograph.

2.13 The respondents

I went to four universities and talked with 40 people. In each university I talked with 5

girls and 5 boys. I ensured 50% is engaged with student politics and 50% is not engaged

with student politics.

2.14 Experience of field work

It was first time I am writing a monograph and I went to filed for it. I was actually very

much excited of this. I met with students and talked on a crucial issue. I have some

different types of experiences.

Some of the respondents started thinking me a spy of other country first. They thought I

am working under any detective organization.

Some of the respondents thought me I am an agent of any political organization. Some

people even asked me about my political view and I was very careful about it. I had to

explain about my study before talking to them.

- 10 -

2.16 Conclusion:

In anthropology there are several types of fieldwork methods that are used while

conducting research. In my research I used methodologies according to Ethics of

Anthropology. In my research I interviewed in the way of unstructured interview. Focus

group discussion took place in my research. I used related books, journals and

newspapers. To save data I had to use note books. I was concern of location and I

analysis it for my research so that I get proper data. I analysis data and I present them in a

structured way. My selection of respondents was very structured. I believe I did not break

any rules of anthropology during to my research.

- 11 -

Chapter three:

Literature Review and theoretical framework

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Literature review

3.3 National development and student politics in Bangladesh

3.4 Student Politics in the third world

3.5 Student politics in America: a historical analysis

3.6 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er-Etihash 1830-1952

3.7 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er- Etihash 1953- 1969

3.8 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er- Etihash 1830- 1971

3.9 Conclusion

- 12 -

Chapter three:

Literature Review and theoretical framework

3.1 Introduction:

Doing a careful literature review is essential to write about research at any level. It is

basic homework that is assumed to have been done very carefully, and a given fact in all

research papers.

It shows the research is correlates with various scholarly books, research articles,

research journals and other relevant sources that directly relates to the current research.

Without providing literature review any research is not considered seriously.

Literature review is the fact to make sense of reader or audience that researcher did

homework on this research and it‟s a fact make them believe that it‟s done with strong

homework.

3.2 Literature review

On my issue of study there are not much more books available. But I found some articles

and few books. I studied them. There are few articles and books review I wrote here.

3.3 “National development and student politics in Bangladesh”

byGaziMahabubulAlam, TalukderGolamRabby, ThianLok Boon, Issa Khan and

KaziEnamulHoque.

The institutions of HE (higher education) in southern Asia is experiencing a high volume

of student politics and teacher politics. In the discourse of institutional management

andnational development, people often make links between teacher politics and students

while they talk informally. As the academics of HE in Southern Asia whom mainly

conduct research are also rigorously involved with the politics, therefore, they often

ignore this area.

In this paper, there are analytical analysis on student politics, Student unity, Student

union, students involvement in party politics, Concept of national development and role

of politics, National development from various perspectives, National development

model, Impact of student politics on education and institutional management, Major

advantages created by student politics in Bangladesh, Major disadvantages created by

student politics in Bangladesh got place.

- 13 -

In this paper, they mentioned that student politics has a serious impact on the institutional

management and education system itself. This also provides a high volume of impact on

the national development, education and state business in overall. This paper explores the

impact of students' involvement in 'party politics' on national development and state

business of education in Bangladesh, while answering some specific research questions

through the data gained from an empirical research work.

3.4 Student Politics in the third world by PHILIP G. ALTBACH, Comparative

Education Center, State UniversiO' of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, U.S.A.

In the Third World Students continue to be active in politics and frequently have an

impact on societal events. The historical development of student politics and student

involvement in independence struggles, the role of students as incipient elites, and the

fragility of the political structures of many Third World nations all contribute to the

efficacy of student politics. Universities, as key intellectual institutions in their societies,

also play an important role in Third World societies. Students, especially those in the

social sciences, are fairly easy to mobilize and they often have a basic interest in political

and social issues. It is argued that student movements emerge from their social and

political environment and it is not surprising that activism continues as a powerful force

in the Third World.

In his article he wrote on student political activism remains a key issue for Third World

universities - and frequently for political systems as well. He also says students continue

to be politically active and involved, and on occasion contribute to political unrest.

There are considerable national variations and the scope and pace of student politics

changes over time and across national boundaries. But the issue remains one of the most

important for higher education administrators, planners and for government officials.

This article considers some of the reasons for this contrast as well as the key factors

relating to student activism in the Third World, a complex phenomenon which has

implications for both university and society.

In student politics it is generally viewed that lots of students are eliminated from

academic life for some negative activities.

Indeed, student politics sometimes affects higher education and on occasions sweeps

beyond the campus to have disruptive implications for the political system. It is, however,

not enough to condemn student politics as a negative force.

It is necessary to understand the forces that impel student activism and to examine the

results of this activism.

- 14 -

Typically, however, student activism is motivated by political and social forces in society

and its attention is generally focused away from the campus.

Furthermore, in some respects, student political involvement can contribute to the

processes of nation building and political socialization. Without any question, student

activism contributes to social change in the Third World and focuses national attention on

political and social questions that might otherwise be ignored by the political system.

Nations with a strong tradition of student activism, often stemming from student

participation in independence struggles, tend to have active student movements. National

policies concerning activism also have an effect on the viability and often the tactics of

student movements. Political systems that permit the relatively free functioning of social

organizations and movements will tend to have more active student participation, but

such activism is less often revolutionary in nature.

There are quite considerable differences in student political activism among countries,

regions and by historical periods. The most dramatic difference at present is between the

industrialized nations and the Third World. But there are differences among Third World

nations as well. In India, much student activism tends to focus on campus-based issues

which are sometimes linked to broader political and ideological questions.

We got a clear concepts on National variations, historical differences, changing political

environments, academic organizational variations and many other factors all relate to an

understanding of student politics in any one nation

3.5 Student politics in America: a historical analysis by Philop G Altbach, revised

edition (New Brunswick and London: Transaction Publishers, 1997; originally published

by McGraw-Hill, 1974,

For most people, the phrase “student politics in America” to extent that I conveys and

concrete meaning at all evokes images of the student activism of the 1960s.

Student were highly and unusually visible political actors who were visible both they

resorted and possibly, because of overexposure in the mass media. They were also acting

in an unusually autonomous fashion for once unconnected with national political actors

and organizations though not without some impact upon the latter. In both these respects.

They inspired nervousness among older generations and because the activism was closely

linked to the new permissiveness in living styles, also among what Robert Burns called

the “uncoguid” in a rough translation, the self-righteous upholders of conventional

morality.

- 15 -

In Britain, the students protests. Some of these are like United States. It seems they

copied. But it is doubtful whether these completely overshadowed, let alone erased more

traditional and well established forms and images of student politics.

We got very good idea about student politics from Philop G Altbach.

3.6 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er-Etihash 1830-1952 (History of Bengal students‟

movement-1830-1951) by Dr. Mohammad Hannan

This is a book to get lost of information about the movements of student politics. It is

designed according to the period of 1830 to 1952. Partition of India in 1947, language

movement in 1952 etc. comes to this book.

3.7 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er- Etihash 1953- 1969 (History of Bengal students‟

movement-1953-1969)

In the book of Drhanna he explains the movements of 1953 to 1969. In 1953 The Awami

Muslim League becomes the Awami League, in 1954 The United front wins most of the

seats of the East Bengal Legislative Assembly, in 1955 East Bengal renamed East

Pakistan, in 1956 Bangla becomes one of the state language of Pakistan, in 1966 Six

point Bengali nationalist movement emerges by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, 1969 Mass

Uprising of ‟69 took place in the book.

3.8 BangladesherChatroAndolan-Er- Etihash 1830- 1971 (History of Bengal students‟

movement-1830-1971).

In this book of DrHannan I got clear concept of the history of Bangladeshi student

movements. In the book he stated about the deep history of Bangladeshi student

movement starting from 1830 to 1971. The book covers the partition of India, language

movement ‟52, freedom fighting of ‟71. He elaborately explained about the student‟s

activism according during the crisis of the nation.

- 16 -

3.9 Conclusion:

Before going to field I started searching books and journals but I failed to get lots of

books on the issue of my research. I got some lots of journals and research papers in

online those I could believe on because of their source and author. I did study on them

and I include some of them in this part of my monograph. This study helped me huge to

understand on this issue.

- 17 -

Chapter four

Introduction to politics and student politics

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Politics

4.3 Student politics

4.4 Student politics worldwide

3.5 Conclusion

- 18 -

Chapter four:

Introduction to politics and student politics

4.1 Introduction:

‘Man is by nature a political animal’

ARISTOTLE

We see politics in everywhere of the world and we know human is a political being. In

my study I do my research on student politics so that my research paper deserves an

introduction of this issue. As I worked for student politics, in this chapter I tried to give

introduction of politics, student politic and politics worldwide.

4.2 Politics

Politics is a very common word in all over the world. Many people find politics remote &

uninteresting viewing it as the preserve most often for the middle aged people. But it is

not true. Because students are highly concerned about politics in national & international

aspect.

Politics is an art or science of influencing people‟s beliefs on civic or individual life. It

is a way of choosing government officials who run the state.

According to the Anthony Giddens (sociology –p 844)

“Politics concern the means whereby power is used to affect the scope & control of

governmental activities‟‟

“Politics [is] the activity by which differing interests within a given unit of rule are

conciliated by giving them a share in power in proportion to their importance to the

welfare and the survival of the whole community”. (Crick, [1962] 2000)

4.3 Student politics

“Unity is strength” when students become united, they get strength or power. So relating

with the definition given by Giddens on politics , we can say that “ when students

unitedly play chief role in politics by means of united power to affect the scope

& governmental activities , that can be identified as student politics”.

- 19 -

4.4 Student politics worldwide

The role of students in politics worldwide is an important one; student groups often

mobilize to protest, petition, or lobby for political change.

Many universities and colleges have student governments who begin to make political

changes within university and college student bodies; these decisions are based on votes

taken at student council meetings.

Often, student councils also participate in municipal or federal politics by attending

political conventions and making contact with politicians on a local or national level. In

some cases, student councils and political groups are powerful forces for change in areas

like human rights, feminism, and educational reform.

Many career politicians begin their ascents into politics during their school years; they

may study political science, history, or law while in university or college.

Later on, they will use this new knowledge to participate in student councils, peaceful

protests, and lobbying. In time, they may gain followers and decide to run for elected

office.

Educational institutions provide an important breeding ground for a new generation of

politically-active youth. In general, students who are politically active will also do well in

their university or college coursework – they will understand the value of gaining

knowledge and credentials they can use to push for political change once their educations

are complete.

Contemporary politicians who were heavily involved in student politics: Bill Clinton,

Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Gordon Brown, Tony Blair.

The above politicians were all politically active from a very young age, and used their

interest in politics to choose a direction in life.

The role of youth in politics is to interpret changes in society that are beneficial to all

citizens, and then, to find ways of making sure that these natural shifts are reflected in

bills, legislation, and other important political documents.

Student politics has a serious impact on the institutional management and education

system itself. This also provides a high volume of impact on the national development,

education and state business in overall. But student politics is one of the ignored areas in

the international scholarly debate. In the late 1960‟s to early 1970‟s, some authors made

some contributions in the context of South America and Africa. In 1968, Altbach also

made very little contribution on the Indian student politics and its impact on

- 20 -

development. The institutions of HE (higher education) in southern Asia is experiencing

a high volume of student politics and teacher politics.

In this assignment, we are going to discuss student‟s politics in context of

Bangladesh. This paper explores the impact of students‟ involvement in „party

politics‟ on national development in Bangladesh.

3.5 Conclusion: Unity is strength” when students become united, they get strength or

power. In this chapter I explained politics and student politics according to some of the

scholars of this field.

In this chapter we have seen the engagement of Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack

Obama, Gordon Brown and Tony Blair in student politics.

- 21 -

Chapter five:

Background of Student politics

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Background of student politics in Bangladesh

5.3 Three most popular student political Party

5.4 Bangladesh Chatra League

5.5 Bangladesh JatiotabadiChatra Dal

5.6 Bangladesh IslamiChhatrashibir

5.7 Conclusion

- 22 -

Chapter five:

Background of Student politics

5.1 Introduction:

The background of student politics in Bangladesh has a golden time and that‟s why our

student community, engaged with politics, are boasted of this. It has Language movement

of 1952, liberation war of 1971 and the movement to end military in 1991. In this chapter

I described the background of student politics in Bangladesh and three most popular

student political organizations took place to explain the background.

5.2 Background of student politics in Bangladesh

Student politics in the Bengal region was established while it was under the British

ruling. Until the 1930s, there were no student unions in the Bangladesh.

After the „British chastisement‟, it came under Pakistani governance and was named the

East Pakistan. Being an independent nation since 1971, it has been administered by both

the elected government and martial law. Consequently, student politics has always been

associated with campaigning for social change because of the „demand of the times.

Different types of student politics have existed at different period‟s .The „British

chastisement‟ enforced laws for all aspects of Bengal, which were not generally

appropriate. Particularly, the educational policies imposed by the British administration

on Bengal were different from the internal policies which have existed within the UK;

and this was the cause of concern to Bengali students. Again, Pakistani rules also force

the students to campaign in favor of their rights. Moreover, under the martial law,

students continue with the revolutionary tradition of student politics. Under

circumstances which have been arisen under the British ruling, Pakistani governance and

martial law, students are forced to campaign in favor of their rights.

The recent upsurge in student politics is different: national political parties have

established affiliated student political parties to use the students as their political tools.

During this period of time, students were collectively facing challenges from different

student movements in 1941, students were divided into two main groups, namely the

„leftist‟ and the „rightist‟. Rightist students did not engage themselves in much political

activity within the campus.

The Bangladesh IslamiChartroShibir (BICS) was the only student organization which

was rightist. On the other hand, there were two leftist student unions; namely the Chartro

union and Chartro League, which they have principally dominated and controlled the

campus politics

- 23 -

In 1952, both leftist and rightist political groups are united and played a vital role in

achieving the victory for Mother Tongue Revolution .In early 1960s, Chartro league was

divided into different groups and each group was headed by different Chartro league

leaders Moving on to 1971, leftist political students played a vital role in achieving

victory for Independence Revaluation. „Rightist students‟ were inactive on this occasion.

After independence, Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) formed the government and

campus politics were controlled by their associated organization, named the Bangladesh

Chartro League (BCL). In 1975, the president of the country was assassinated by military

officials and a few days later, the martial law was established. In the meantime, the „chief

of the army‟ formed a new political party named the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

In addition, another associated political party named “JatiotabadiChartroDall” (JCD) was

established for the students; as a rival party to BCL .The country‟s president, whom was

BNP president himself, was also killed by the military officials and after period of time,

the martial law was reinforced once again.

The new chief for the military government also established another political party Named

“Bangladesh Jatiyo Party” (BJP). The BJP were committed not only to the establishment

of an associated student political party but in the 1988, students engaged in a big

revolution against the „so-called elected BJP government‟. Since the party had no

affiliated student political party, the president alongside with his advisers have thoughts

to establish one in order to compete against the other student political parties involved in

the student revolution. BJP‟s affiliated political student party is called “Bangladesh

JatiyoChartro Shamash”

However, after toppling the military government in 1990, every successor has been

elected by election conducted under the „Caretaker Government. Considering present

circumstances, it can be concluded that the present Bangladeshi student politics is an

activity which is guided by and for the national political parties‟ competition, interests

and outlook.

5.3 Three most popular student political Party

There are lots of political party in Bangladesh, but three of them are most populated to

students and they are actually leading campuses.

- 24 -

5.4 Bangladesh Chatra League

“Bangladesh Chatra League” ('Bangladesh Student League‟- BCL) formerly known

as East Pakistan Chatra League is a students‟ political organization in Bangladesh,

founded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on January 4, 1948 at a meeting of student leaders in

FazlulHuq Hall of Dhaka University. Currently it is working under the Bangladesh

Awami League. Naeemuddin Ahmed was the first convener and KhalekNewaz Khan was

the founder general secretary of the Chhatra League.

It has a glorious history in its journey of 70 years. In 1952, Bangladesh Chattra league

played a vital role to achieve the victory of Mother Tongue starting with breaking 144.

In the United Front election in 1954, Bangladesh Chhatra League played a leading role in

the direction of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In 1962

Sharif Commission, formed by the then Ayub Khan government, formulated an anti-

people education policy in favor of the goals and interests of the Pakistani ruling regime.

Students of all major educational institutions, including Dhaka University, led by

Bangladesh Chhatra League against the Education Policy, created mass movement and

mass uprising.

In 1966, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had put his trust on young people in the

implementation of the six-point charter of autonomy for the establishment of the

autonomy of Bangle. Chattra league played very strong role of campaign of six- charter

to mass people. Bangladesh Cattra league also had a strong role in the election of 1970.

BangldeshChattra league is very praised to every society of their role in the freedom fight

of 1971. Students came to road by calling of father of the nation Sheikh Mujubur Rahman

and Chattra league had strong role to lead and organize students in the battle field.

Bangladesh Chattra league played strong role in the issue of student wages movement in

1998 at University of Dhaka and movement against military rule.

5.5 Bangladesh JatiotabadiChatra Dal

Bangladesh JatiotabadiChatra Dal is the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist

Party (BNP). Many of the top BNP leaders and policy-makers today were once closely

associated with JCD and developed as student leaders.

- 25 -

After the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was founded by Ziaur Rahman, he realized a

strong student organization was needed to cherish future leaders, and founded Chhatra

Dal on 1 January 1979. As the student wing of the BNP, Chatra Dal has adopted a 19-

point programme, based on the mother organization's structure and approach. Chatra Dal

was one of the Vanguard organisation in the democracy movement against Military

dictator HussainMuhammedErshad.

5.6 Bangladesh IslamiChhatrashibir

Bangladesh IslamiChhatrashibir known as Shibir, is a student organization

in Bangladesh that works among the students. It was established on 6 February 1977 after

six years of Bangladesh Liberation War. IslamiChhatrashibir is the student wing of the

Islamist political organization of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Nobody can

be a member of Bangladesh IslamiChhatrashibir, unless he is a student. It doesn‟t allow

female students as its member. It is the largest Islamic student‟s organization in Southeast

Asia.

Their stated mission is "to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) by molding entire human

life in accordance with the code, bestowed by Allah (SWT) and exemplified by His

Messenger.

5.7 Conclusion:

Bangladesh is a country where student politics could take place to establish it language

movement. Student could come to road in front of police force for their mother tongue to

make it state language.

Student could bring gun against a powerful country to make beloved country free and it

was possible by student politics. I tried to narrate the history in my paper with honesty.

- 26 -

Chapter six:

Understanding of student politics in the context of Bangladesh.

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Present situation of Bangladeshi student politics

6.3 Students‟ involvement in party politics

6.4 Reasons motivating students towards „party politics‟ in Bangladesh

6.5 Merits of student‟s politics in the context of Bangladesh

6.6 Demerits of student‟s politics in the context of Bangladesh

6.7 Why a brilliant student should come to politics:

6.8 Conclusion

- 27 -

Chapter six:

Understanding of student politics in the context of Bangladesh.

6.1 Introduction:

Here comes the major discussion of student politics in Bangladesh. In my research I got

lots of information about the student politics in the context of Bangladesh. In discussion

wrote on Present situation of Bangladeshi, student politics Students‟ involvement in party

politics, Reasons motivating students towards „party politics‟ in Bangladesh, Merits of

student‟s politics in the context of Bangladesh, Demerits of student‟s politics in the

context of Bangladesh, Why a brilliant of student should come to politics.

6.2 Present situation of Bangladeshi student politics

Compared to pre-liberation student‟s politics, the nature and characteristics of our present

day students‟ organizations has been changed a lot.

> Student politics is considered as an important basis of political power in national

politics. Students are now powerful not only in their own organizations/academic

institutions but in their parties also.

> Nowadays students politics is neither people oriented nor education oriented rather it is

oriented toward personal interest and power. Their movements are not for the students

but only to strengthen their position on the campus. They are not the student leaders

rather power elites of our society.

> In the past, the students were to protest against oppression, repression and injustice.

They were to move for humanity against brutality. Unfortunately, such character of our

students‟ organizations has changed. The kind of our present day student politics is

mercenary, rent-seeking violence and crime loving.

> Another important trend of our student politics is confrontation between rival student

organizations to take control of a specific region on institution. For this, even they do not

hesitate to kill their opponents. The most devilish of their activities is that they sometimes

kill their own cadres only to create a troublesome situation in their respective institutions.

> All the terrorist groups of students are booked by politicians who use them to

perpetuate their position in and outside the party.

- 28 -

So various student fronts are just a reflection of the main political parties whose

immediate goals have more to do with grabbing power and enjoying it while it lasts.

6.3 Students‟ involvement in party politics

Every country has different national political parties, except for countries whereby

martial law or dictatorships exist (Heywood, 1997). These national political parties

usually have their associated or affiliated organizations for different professional groups.

To discuss this situation, we shall use examples from the Bangladeshi context. In

Bangladesh, there are four major national political parties, namely, Bangladesh Awami

League (BAL), Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jatio Party (BJP) and

Bangladeshi Jamayati Islam (BJI). Each of them has an affiliated political organization

for students. For example, Bangladesh Chartro league (BCL) is an affiliated or associated

student organization of BAL, Banhladeshchatrodall is an affiliated or associated student

organization of (BNP), Bangladesh Chatroshibir is an affiliated or associated student

organization of (BJI).

6.4 Reasons motivating students towards „party politics‟ in Bangladesh

Most of the student organizations distribute their publicity leaflets to the examinees when

they took part in the „admission test‟ for their enrolment into HE. In addition, the

institute‟s student leaders usually meet with the examinees at the „test Centre‟ of the

college or university to inform them regarding on the facilities provided for students once

they are members in their „party‟. It is very hard to get accommodation in

college/university halls of residences. Each „hall‟ is controlled and occupied by ruling

political party. Therefore, student leaders often offer newcomers accommodation, on the

condition that they join their political party. A few student organizations also provide free

clothes, books and stationery for newcomers.

For example, Mr. Farid Uddin, a student of Dhaka University says “Since I was not

involved with any party, I was informed that I would have to join their political party

otherwise I would lose my room in the hall. And the threat was very real. My family

background didn‟t allow me to afford private accommodation; therefore I had no

alternative but to join their party.

- 29 -

6.5 Merits of student‟s politics in the context of Bangladesh

Student‟s politics build future leader: By participating student politics, an

individual learn political attitude. He learns group behavior toward

political problem. Learns how to lead a group as well as know how to influence

people beliefs on particular matter. Knows, how to control an unrest situation. By

this way, an individual develops a leadership attitude within himself, which

contribute the individual to be a future leader.

To be a component of civil society: Students are the important component of civil

and elite society who can lead the nation toward sustainable and expected

development and it is possible by student politics.

Protesting against the irrational activities by government: It was only the student

unity which „campaigned and fought‟ against Pakistani Government for 1952‟s

Mother Tongue Revolution, because Bangladesh was not an independent nation at

the time. Therefore, no established national political parties exist in Bengal in

1952.

Learning the skill of public communication: Student politicians organize some

kinds of social and political activities, and this has provided them with

opportunities to learn the skills of „public communication‟, coordinating people,

participatory approaches and leadership.

Help to secure student rights: Faculty members in government universities and colleges

offer private coaching to students or they can also work with private institutes to earn

extra income. As a result, the quality of education provided by government higher

education institutes is deteriorating. Therefore, Student politicians can campaignsto

address these issues.

6.6 Demerits of student‟s politics in the context of Bangladesh

Impacts on educational environment: Student politics has deteriorated

the educational atmosphere in our country. For example, DU is the apex of the

country‟s higher educational institutes. Therefore, the student politics of DU

control student politics for the whole country. But emergencies created by

DU‟s student politics have resulted in the establishment of a „police camp‟

within the campus. Moreover, the unrest created by student politics has forced

the authorities to move Dhanmondi police station closer to the university

- 30 -

campuses. It should be mentioned that Ramna and Lalbagh police stations are

already located closer to the campuses. Dhaka University, Bangladesh

University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Dhaka Medical

College are located adjacently. If a situation requires stationing the police

within the vicinity, how can the higher educational institutes perform their

regular activities? Student organizations often fight amongst each other to

establish their parties‟ authority within the campus and surroundings. It is now

common for higher educational institutes to be closed down due to the strikes

caused by student politics.

Impact of student politics on education and institutional management: Student

organizations‟ affiliation with the national political parties has indeed forced

the HE institutes to be closed down during these Hartal periods. As a result

from Hartal being called by different national political parties more than 30

days are futile within a year. In an academic year, a minimum of 20 days is

usually lost due to student political unrest. If circumstances have forced the

higher educational institute to be closed down for more than 50 days in an

academic year, how will the institute provide appropriate higher education?

Obviously, it cannot do so.

Illegal support from his political party: A student leader at Jahangirnagar

University had „scored a century‟ of rapes. Although BCL had expelled him

from their party. The question that should be asked, however, is how was the

student allowed to achieve such a shameful record? It is important to ask why

the party did not take necessary action after the first rape and how this student

was allowed to pursue his education abroad. Certainly, it is proven that he had

received illegal support from his political party.

No respect for their teachers and elderly people: Students involved in politics

have no respect for their teachers and elderly people. They have also been

known to kill their teachers if the teachers try to prevent them from committing

abominable practices. We are also concerned about the murder of a teacher by

a student who was protesting against stalking 2 years ago.

General students suffer most: Involvement in party politics forces general

students to work as the „party tools‟. They are commanded by their leaders to

campaign in favour of their party, especially during the election period.

Brilliant students are threatened with the „competition of the job

market. BrilliantStudents are threatened with the „competition of the job

market‟ since it is the student leaders whom get the jobs because of their

association with the national politicians.

Corruption: students involved in politics are conducting a wide range of

corrupted practices, such as, nakal, baridhakal, jamidhkal, Chadabasi and

tanderbasi which brought upon pollution and corruptionnot only within the

- 31 -

HE, but also in society in general. The students at large matter little to the

leaders who capture halls, manipulate business bids and hoard benefits and

climb the socio-economic ladder, including even seats in parliament.

Impact on Development: It is important to note that education itself can play a

significant role for national development, so any threat to education is a threat

to national development. present activities of student politics are very

disappointing. Student politics hinders not only social freedom but also

economic development. For example, As a consequence of „contractors‟

having to provide „chada‟ to the local student leaders to execute the

developmental works such as construction/repairing of building and road etc.

6.7 Why a brilliant student should come to politics:

There is no doubt that the present higher education atmosphere in the country is not good

enough to provide quality education. But it is related to the overall situation of political

unrest in the country.

Banning student politics is a must‟ to solve the problems. But banning student

politics is not a solution for the following reasons. Student politics on campus are

not officially recognized. So if government wishes to ban that, it would first have

to accord that official recognition. Once the government officially recognizes

student politics, the chances of banning them would be almost zero because the

student leaders would have legal issues to campaign against that.

To create a better educational atmosphere, brilliant students are needed to join the

politics so that the„so-called‟ students would not have a place in the student

politics. Their involvement with the student politics would ensure that the country

has good political leaders in the future.

Institutions could keep their students busy with studies and other social activities by

implementing thefollowing suggestions:

1/ Teachers need to put in more time monitoring their students‟ performance, with

regular use of „tests‟ and assignments.

2/ Institutes need to ensure sufficient educational facilities.

3/ they should establish a number of different clubs for science, arts, social science,

debate, sport and culture. For example, football, cricket, music clubs.

4/ for students whom do not making satisfactory progress, extra support would be

provided.

5/ institutes need to introduce knock-out rules, so that students whom were not sincere,

committed or able would not be permitted to stay in institutes without satisfactory

- 32 -

progress achievements.

6/ institutes need to introduce not only examinations to judge students‟ academic

performance but also competitive occasions to judge their performance in terms of social

activities (e.g. sports, music, and debate)

7/ There should also be periodic parent-teacher‟s interaction so that the parents are

apprised of the performance of their wards. The last but the most important is the role of

teachers. They should restrain from ungentlemanly acts, like going on strikes, practicing

unfair means to accumulate wealth etc.

These measures would foster social identity in students and as a result, they would not

turn to politics to find a social identity.

6.8 Conclusion:

There are lots of reasons for a student to involve in politics and they do practice them.

But in current situation we see lots of problem in the environment of student politics so

that a huge number of talent students are not interested in student politics. On the other

hand if the brilliant students come to student politics with the purpose of changing the

political culture, campuses will get peace and the environment will be student friendly

instead of the campus where students always worried of their lives even.

- 33 -

Chapter seven:

Findings and Discussion:

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Findings and discussion

7.3 Views about student politics

7.4 The motives behind joining student politics

7.5 Reformation of the model of student politics

7.6 Conclusion:

- 34 -

Chapter seven:

Findings and Discussion:

7.1 Introduction:

I worked hard to get information for my research issue. I got information after working

the period of time and I praise to my almighty for giving the strength of working. I

collected data according to unstructured interview and for this reason I got some deferent

type of data.

In our conversation lots of things took place and according to these data I narrated my

findings here. In my interview the golden period of the politics came every time. Students

share their view of being interested in politics and in the other hand student also share

why they hate student politics.

7.2 Findings and discussion

7.3 Views about student politics

The students are aware of the golden time of student politics where student leaders were

famous for their patriotism and sacrificed for the country in 1952, 1971, and the 1980s.

100% of the respondents think that during this time frame, the major achievement of

student politics is its contribution in the liberation war and language movement of 1952

exclusively. When I was talking with them I got impressed on their respect of these two

movement. They are very proud of these two movements. Each and every one expressed

their negative concern of making these issues for political purpose. They think that it‟s a

pride for our nation. It should not be used for any party purpose.

However, a greater percentage reported that student politics has played a crucial role in

ending the military regime in 1991. Thus, a majority of the students admit the

contribution of student politics in more than one national crisis period of the past.

On the other hand, 80% of respondents agreed that the practices of current student

politics are not as effective as before. Huge number of students even don‟t believe that

student politics in Bangladesh exist. It‟s not for students but for the interest of their own

party. Killing students is not politics rather it‟s a drama to kill for own interest. After

establishing the democratic practice of government, the situation of student politics has

- 35 -

lost its reputation. The political parties dominated the student politics in a negative way.

Student political party became the tool of practicing power to establish hype in student

community and mass society. Student political party works to elect and protect its father

organization.

One student named Marwan from University Chittagong said that his family belong to a

political party and his father is a freedom fighter. After getting admitted in university he

engaged in a political party and started working hard with it. He had a dream to serve the

country. He remind the golden period of student politics. He got experience of a fight

with opposite group of the party he belongs to after few months of engaging. He himself

became injured and took decision to leave student politics and started hating politics. He

argued that the party can kill students, how they can save others. The fight comes for a

small reason to establish a power.

Total of 95% of the respondents agreed that political parties influence the students for

their own benefits and they use students for political issues. A student name Rajib from

University of Dhaka said that senior brother (VAI) from our group ask us to bring

cigarette and the accessories they need. We are to go without any confusion, otherwise

we will have to suffer for this in mentally and politically.

As a consequence, a total of 48% of students agreed that it creates violence in the

campus that leads to demolishment of the academic environment and deteriorates the

overall academic quality. The beneficial impact for student politics is undoubtedly the

opportunity to get leadership training, especially political leadership, which was narrated

from a number of 59% of the total respondents. But only 16% of respondents mentioned

that political parties help to provide trainings to the students.

Among the other positive impacts, 45% of respondents agreed that it opens the door for

national politics, and a very few respondents, only 8%, mentioned that student politics

contributes towards academic improvement.

Further, 55% of the respondents reported that they are unable to find any good aspect of

student politics. 44% of respondents claimed that student politics creates problems mostly

for non-political students. For an extreme, 63% of the respondents identified that student

politics is the sole reason for valances that lead to death and physical injuries for many

innocent students. 78% of the respondents mentioned that student politics causes serious

session jam taking more years to complete the degree than it is required. For an example,

a four year honors degree might take six or seven years due to session jam. Session jam is

created because of the political instability at campus for which the class and examinations

get delayed.

A student named Nazib from Chittagong university claim that, their exam delayed 3

months in their first year because of political violence in 2014. University campus was

- 36 -

unstable in that year for political violence. Students also believe that this factor

significantly affects the academic environment.

As well as, students involved in politics tend to neglect their studies and perform poorly

in academics, which was supported by 65% of respondents.

Students, engage with politics, are very much happy with their position and they are

leading the campus. One of them even told me that we save the campus from devil and

it‟s our duty to save our people. Our former generation taught us to save our campus.

I got different voices from different organizations in Chittagong University, when I

talked to a leader of Chattra League, he argued that, Shibir is the devil in campus who

makes violence in campus but in other hand I talked to a Shibir leader and he argued that,

Chattra League is damaging the environment of education in campus. He said that we are

not in campus and Chattra league is doing violence in campus fighting among them.

Most of the students are not interested in politics in privet universities because of

concerning of career. In privet university there is no environment of politics because of

its rules and regulations. In privet university students are to pay a huge amount of money

for their courses and they are to be concern on this because of their family pressure. Most

of the students of Privet University stay with their parents. For this reason it is impossible

to engage with politics while parents don‟t allow them to engage in politics.

Some of the students are engaged in politics but they do politics in their own residential

area, not in university campus. Most of the students are very much interested in social

activities rather than politics. They think to add lots of certificates in their CV so that they

do work with lots of social organizations.

7.4 The motives behind joining student politics

This study identified eight major reasons that work behind student involvement in student

politics. It did not rank the reasons from 1 to 8 as the most priority to the least priority

scale.

The first reason is to arrange an accommodation in the university dormitory. In public

universities, most of the students come from the rural areas. Thus, everyone expects to

stay in the university hall which is highly subsidized by the university authority.

As the number of seats are limited, student politicians play a major role in allocating the

seats. Though these halls are administered by the university authority, in reality these

halls are controlled by the political parties. At the same time, to get better facilities at the

dormitory, such as getting an own bed instead of sharing one bed with another, getting

extra services in the dining, joining political parties, etc., becomes very essential.

- 37 -

Secondly, exercising power or getting attention and more facilities from others is another

cause of engaging in student politics. Students who are in politics generally have muscle

power, political backup, and get different facilities and care of others.

Thirdly, this political involvement creates a scope to engage in the national politics.

There are several records that students engaged in politics have been treated as more

dedicated to the party and also got extra favors such as position in party, nomination as

election candidate from the party, financial responsibility, etc. Most of the cases we see

priority of university students to nominate for elections. They are considered as talent

society of our community.

Fourthly, students get an opportunity to voice their concerns over national issues. Though

student politics played a crucial role in terms of contribution in national issues in the past,

now this matter carries little weight. But this a platform to lead in any crisis if they want.

Fifthly, there are financial benefits to engage in student politics. Student politicians can

do lobbying, illegal toll collection, and also have income from the central fund of the

party.

Sixth of the reasons is family background. We see lots of the students do politics for their

family. It maybe because his or her father or mother or grandfather is a politician and he

or she wants to be the next generation to keep this flow.

Seventh: I got some students do politics for a deferent reason of religion. They believe

that politics is one of the responsibility in religion. They do work for being blessed by

their almighty. These activities can make them free from hell and send them haven.

Finally, students are supposed to join politics to improve academic environment and

increase the welfare of the general students and society. However, the current motive of

joining in the politics is different so that this objective received the least priority.

7.5 Reformation of the model of student politics

To decide whether to ban or reform the student politics system, it is necessary to realize

the core objectives of student politics. It is probable that student unity is one of the oldest

structures of student politics (Altbach, 1974). In some countries, the student forum/club is

also known as union (Altbach, 1974; Hamilton, 1968). When a group of students have

religion, region, or any other interests in common, forms an organization under certain

conditions within a school, country or even an international context, this is known as a

the students‟ union. Thus, different groups of students having one or more interests or

aspects in common can form a different student union within a school, country or

international context. Each student union will campaign in favor of its own outlook or

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agitate to receive its entitlement. However, the current form of student union in the public

academic institutions and universities in Bangladesh widely imply the student politics

only. The respondents of this study ranked the goals of student politics in the following

order-

(i) Promoting leadership among the students

(ii) Raising voice for the interest of students

(iii) Raising voice for the institution‟s interest

(iv) Opportunity to raise voice of students concerning over national issues

(v) Improving the academic environment and quality and

(vi) Creating positive links with political parties.

However, most of the current student politicians mentioned that in the current form of

student politics, political parties use students for the parties‟ benefit; as a

consequence, students tend to neglect their studies and spend more time on political

agendas. In many of the parties, there is no regular election and minimum control of

the academic authority. As national political parties mostly control the student

politics, student politicians always like to engage in violent activities to become

highlighted and get attention from the prominent political leaders. For an example,

sometimes student politicians do not pay the bill of canteen just to exercise and show

off their political power. Thus, most of the students expressed their disappointment

about the current malpractices of the student politics and they are worried for the

future. The respondents agreed that without a big change in the form of student

politics, the future of the student politics is bleak in Bangladesh.

On the other hand, student politics is prohibited officially in private universities in

Bangladesh. As an alternative of student politics, the private universities follow

another model where there are many students‟ clubs for extra curriculum activities

that have no linkage with political parties. Due to the availability of club activities,

43% of the respondents agreed that students of private universities do not require

student politics, but 16% of the respondents believed that it is not enough; because

having no student politics means that the students of private universities do not have

any common platform to voice their opinions against university authority for any

valid issues. Similarly, 15% of the respondents mentioned that the students and

authorities of private universities are not concerned about the situation of the country

because it is officially not allowed to be involved in any national political issues.

Based on the practices of private universities, 51% of the respondents supported to

ban student politics, whereas only 26% respondents opposed it. Instead of banning

student politics, they provided suggestions to improve the form of activities. To

improve the situation, 45% of the students said that student politics needs to be

delinked from party politics. At the same time, students also have to know their rights

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and need to practice discipline and morality. 60% of the respondents believed that

these changes must be initiated from the students‟ perspectives rather than political

parties. However, everyone agreed that the issue of student politics should be looked

at for the benefits of students rather than political parties.

7.6 Conclusion:

After getting the praised of the golden period of student politics, the negative words

come. Students talked on the issue of positive things of student politics also. They

were talking on the campus violence, power practice, problems of non-political

students.

In my study I got eight points those motivate students to engage in student politics

from most of them.

In my interviews most of the students started talking on reformation of the student

politics and I got seven main point from their reformation thinking. I tried to write all

the things with a well-organized way.

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Chapter eight:

Conclusion and references

8.1 Conclusion

8.2 References

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Chapter eight:

Conclusion and references

8.1 Conclusion:

In conclusion, I want to say that though students have contributed in many national and

academic movements of Bangladesh, the present political party-linked student politics

University campuses is going on sacrificing the quality of education and students future.

The University authority and political leaders of Bangladesh should take this issue

seriously. This study explored some issues that can be taken into account. Further study

regarding student politics of University level students can contribute new knowledge to

find out the steps that should be helpful to solve the problem.

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References

8.2 References

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Benarjee, Anirban (1998), Exploring Student Politcs, TheSaraswati Press, Kolkata.

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Jahan, Rounaq (2000), ed., Bangladesh: Promise and Performance. The University Press

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