Student politics and quality of education : an exploratory study on Dhaka University

Abstract

This study attempted to explore the influence of student political activities of Dhaka University on quality of education. The study covered the political activities of two major student organizations of Dhaka University. Those are Jatiotabadi Chattra Dal (JCD) and Bangladesh Chattra League (BCL). By law, the student organizations of Bangladesh are linked with political parties. Hence, JCD is linked with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) while BCL is linked with Bangladesh Awami League (BAL). None but these two parties have earned the opportunity to form the governments of Bangladesh. Adopting a qualitative research approach, data for this study have been collected through interview, observation and focus group discussion. Secondary data have also been collected from different books, articles and newspapers.

The students claimed that though the students of Bangladesh had contributed to a large extent in different national movements, the present political activities of the party-linked student organizations were organized in support of the political parties. A big distrust found between JCD and BCL leaders. Leaders of both the organizations claimed against each other and urged their own role as correct. However, it has found that Dhaka University faces unscheduled closing for the political violence between the student organisations. Many have died because of the clash between the student organizations of Dhaka University. Even during the normal days, the teaching-learning environment of Dhaka University is disturbed by various political programmes. The students and teachers expressed their unhappiness for such political activities. The respondents claimed that the student leaders were appointed as teachers of Dhaka University with the help of political influence. The politically appointed teachers also influence the quality of education towards a negative direction. The tenants of the dormitories are disturbed by the political leaders of the dormitories in many ways. This is a big influence of student political activities on education of Dhaka University.

However, this study explored that the party-linked student political activities are in process in Dhaka University. These activities are in process sacrificing the quality of education of the university. The university authority and leaders of political parties should take the issue of present student political activities of Dhaka University as important. Further study can be conducted to find out the necessary steps that have to be taken in this regard.