DUCSU Election: Hopes, obstacles, possibilities on path of democracy

If democracy is to be properly evaluated, its practice should begin in educational institutions. Especially at Dhaka University, which is called the centre of the country’s political history, the free election of student organisations is the first laboratory of democratic practice. Many had thought that this year’s DUCSU election could be a new beginning. But the reality shows that obstacles have arisen here too.

I have looked into it—some students were pressured by phone calls from leaders and activists of ruling or influential political parties from their own areas. Some may have ignored it, others were frightened. The question is, is this the way we want to advance democracy?

Still, one thing has become clear. Despite repeated repression, why does an organisation like Shibir still attract students? The lesson from the past 54 years is that repression can never erase an ideology. Rather, the more the repression, the deeper its reaction remains in society. From this there are some lessons for the state and society. Equal opportunity in democracy means that students have realised that silencing a voice does not mean politically weakening it. One cannot be defeated by force, but by proving which path is right through logic and discussion. And if democratic practice is disrupted at the university, then expecting a fair environment in national elections is futile.

Now the question arises—how shall we determine the difference between good and bad? Good is where there is transparency, participation and scope for discussion. Bad is where pressure, influence, money and intimidation prevail. For the progress of a society and state, it is essential to institutionalise the good and remove the bad from the political sphere.

The DUCSU election was completed yesterday and today the results have been announced. From its results and experiences, lessons will emerge for the nation regarding the coming national election. If the DUCSU election has been held fairly, trust in the Election Commission will increase and fresh hope will arise in the public mind regarding the national election. But here fundamental questions inevitably arise—what we are calling the democratic process, is it really true in practice? If true, then why must such a large administrative force be deployed to complete an election in an academic institution? Why can we not ensure a peaceful environment without the presence of security forces? Why did the opposition boycott the DUCSU election? Why did it take so long to announce the results? Why are there so many allegations of vote rigging?

If we cannot, with joint effort, properly implement even a DUCSU election at the country’s highest educational institution, Dhaka University, then how realistic is the dream of practising democracy for 180 million people? On the other hand, does reality change if we describe unpleasant truths such as terrorism, extortion, murder, looting and attacks with elegant English words like “mob action”? If the way to implement political agendas is intimidation and show of force, then is it at all possible to establish democracy in a simple, correct and straightforward way?

Let these questions open the door of our moral consciousness. This will be the people’s opportunity to “listen and learn”. Because doing politics and wanting to do politics are two different things; and being a corrupt politician and doing politics is a completely different matter again. These differences must be removed from the state one by one—starting now.

Some may ask—how is it possible to stop such massive corruption in such a short time? I will say, not impossible. The Twin Towers collapsed in a moment. Sheikh Hasina’s fall too happened suddenly. Natural disasters or death never come with prior notice. Then why should cleansing the electoral system be impossible? No, not at all. When corruption has been possible, stopping it is also possible—what is needed is only firm resolve and the right decision.

International experience also teaches us. India has repeatedly used student politics as preparatory practice for democracy. In countries like South Korea and Taiwan, student movements were the main driving force of democratic transformation. Even in the Western world, universities have often been the cradle of democracy and reform. Bangladesh’s DUCSU election too can be part of that continuity, if it is fair.

Finally, one appeal—let democracy not be mere lip service, but real practice in life. The question may arise, since independence, have real practices in Bangladesh ever truly been democratic? Then, are there followers whose path we can follow? Not in Bangladesh, but among our ancestors there are. Therefore, I will say: follow the path your loved ones once walked.

Rahman Mridha: Researcher, writer and former director, Pfizer, Sweden