Facing unpleasant truths from DUCSU election

Bangladesh today stands at a crossroads. In the state, politics and education alike, instability, influence and invisible pressures are at work. Against this backdrop, the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election has once again brought forward an inevitable question—do we wish to move ahead on the basis of ideals, education and creativity, or will we remain trapped in the same cycle of party domination?

Students come to university for education, to develop their talent and skills, but traditional political pressures and the influence of ruling parties complicate their path. This election is not just a contest of votes; it is a test of students’ principles, ideals and leadership.

DUCSU election and dominance of big parties
The DUCSU election has always been a reflection of state politics. In this election, many candidates for the vice-president’s post are contesting with the direct or indirect support of big parties. Their campaigning, control of the grounds, mobilisation of votes—all are driven by party strength. Yet, in the midst of this, an independent candidate like Shamim Hossain has stood up. He says, “When a student faces a problem, I will be the one to raise that voice. I will be that voice.”

This is not merely an electoral promise. It is an example of how independent student leadership can develop outside party politics. But whether such a voice can survive amidst the powerful machinery of big parties remains uncertain.

Shadow of corruption among students
In today’s reality, a dangerous shadow has fallen even among university students.
(a) Shelter under the ruling party means extra benefits: a seat in the halls, influence on campus, external opportunities—these now come as rewards for party loyalty rather than merit. To gain something because of power, not because of talent—is this what we want?
(b) Are the teachers any different? Many believe that professional benefits are secured if one is close to the ruling power. As a result, the ideal environment of the university is becoming increasingly polluted. Students’ moral standards are eroding.
(c) But is this the true purpose of students? They came here to establish themselves through talent, ability and creativity. After their education, they are meant to lead—in industry, factories, administration and across the state. This is the time to build their own strength, not to depend on favours.

This raises the question whether the universities are truly serving as crucibles for leadership? Or have the voices of students been seized by corrupt, extortionist and unqualified politicians from outside? Do they belong in student politics? Or is this influence only making our future leadership weaker, more confused and directionless?

Interim government reforms: partial or deep?
The interim government claims it is reforming education, elections and administration. Anti-corruption drives, some procedural changes, attempts to strengthen the Election Commission—these are their initiatives. But the real question is—do they have a long-term vision? Do they know what actually needs to be done? Or are they only managing immediate problems like putting out fires?

So far, their reforms remain largely superficial. On the deeper crises of state and society—party dominance, incompetent leadership, absence of principles and ideals—there are still no clear steps.

We must remember, in Bangladesh, education and politics are not separate spheres. Every university, every election, every cultural activity is influenced in some way by party politics. As a result, it is not merit but identity and patronage that dominate. Creativity and free thought are obstructed. The space for questioning principles and ideals is shrinking. Therefore, it is time for students to focus on their own values, courage and leadership, so that they themselves can take responsibility for society and the state.

Yet there is hope. Among the young generation of Bangladesh, there still exists the courage to question, an attraction towards justice, and dreams of something new.

In that case, through cultivating ideals in small cultural, literary and research platforms, through neutral discussions on social media, through supporting independent candidates and nurturing new styles of leadership, they must gather courage and strength. What is needed now is simply courage—to stand beyond the shadow of parties and declare: we will not leave our future in the hands of others.

The DUCSU election may appear to many as an internal university affair. But within it lies the signal for Bangladesh’s future. On one side, the political dominance of big parties; on the other, the yearning for free thought among the new generation—this conflict will determine our path.

If the interim government truly wants reform, its first duty will be to draw a clear line between education and politics, to create space for the practice of qualified leadership. The duty of students will be to preserve their own voice, to establish themselves through ability and ideals; so that they may truly become the builders of the Bangladesh of the future.

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