For some time now, students are seen taking to the streets and vandalizing upon gimcracks. The main reason behind this is there is no one to lead the students. Once the student organizations were strong and the students were able to express their anger and protest through these organizations.
Now there is no active student union. If there were effective student unions then the students could express their views through it. The union leaders could make a connection between authorities and students, but now students don’t have those opportunities.
The scenario was different until we came into democracy in 1991. Though student union is an elected body, problems have arisen with student organizations and student unions. In student union, students themselves elect leaders with their votes. As a result, they can take their problems to that elected leaders.
Apart from this, another major problem is lack of tolerance. The main reason for this is the one-party rule of the last 16 years. During this time, there was no freedom of expression or speech.
There was a culture of dictatorship. And the student organization they had become violent at that time.
Three things are very necessary to overcome the current situation. Firstly, we need a democratic environment in our country. Secondly, it is very important to have student union elections in educational institutions, so that they do not have to take to the streets. They can express their opinions through student unions. And finally, the student organizations have to become strong.
However, the student organizations must be such that they do not follow the ruling party. That is not desirable at all. And through these, students will be able to express their democratic and cultural opinions.
Writer: Emeritus Professor at University of Dhaka
