Ban politics in all universities

A new chapter in Bangladesh's history has begun with toppling of Sheikh Hasina's autocratic regime following an unprecedented mass movement led by students. This marks a significant step towards establishing a Bangladesh based on equality, honesty, and justice.
In recent years, it has become commonplace for the student organisations of the ruling government party to exert control over university halls. This dominance has often led to the mistreatment of ordinary students through practices such as ragging in the name of the so called 'common room and guest room cultures'. Furthermore, seat trading was a method for these groups to generate income, using their control for financial gain.
Additionally, the allocation of hall seats has frequently been influenced by political leaders, with students being coerced into participating in political processions and meetings. The administration, in turn, has shown undue loyalty to these political entities, undermining the integrity of the seat allocation process. Currently, there is a pressing need for administrative reforms to ensure that seat allocations are based solely on merit rather than political affiliations.
To prevent the recurrence of such abuses, it is crucial to free universities from political interference. This measure would help safeguard the autonomy of academic institutions and ensure that student organisations are not dominated by political factions.
Moreover, establishing and electing a student council is essential for fostering leadership skills among students. This would not only enhance democratic values within educational institutions but also empower students to take responsibility in their individual capacities.
In a word, it is crucial to take decisive step to eliminate politics from university affairs and create an atmosphere that promotes congenial atmosphere for learning, creativity and leadership. It is high time to move towards establishing a healthy educational environment free from nasty student and teachers' politics.

Ishrak Jahan
Student
Dhaka University