The tendency of students from various institutions to take opposing sides, engage in chases and counter-chases, or even violent clashes over minor issues reminds one of medieval barbarism. Why do students behave this way? The kind of behavior that is absent in student communities around the world seems to have found a place among students of certain colleges and a few universities in Dhaka. How did students from Dhaka University-affiliated seven colleges and some institutions under the National University develop this tendency to block roads, vandalize properties, and display aggressive behavior at the slightest provocation? Where did a section of students pursuing honors and master’s degrees—the highest level of education in the country—acquire this destructive nature, resorting to havoc whenever they get an opportunity? Have you ever heard of students from institutions like BUET, BUP, or MIST deliberately engaging in conflicts?
The state of education in these colleges is extremely fragile. The number of seats allocated for honors-level students in these institutions is a major obstacle to ensuring quality education. Except for a few exceptions, attendance in higher classes is only around 20-30%. Since students can pass their honors and master’s degrees by buying books the night before the exams without attending classes all year, they inevitably seek alternative engagements. Many have turned to street dominance—blocking Dhaka city at every inconvenience, vandalizing businesses, and spending their time in constant clashes and chases. Instead of resolving issues through discussion or seeking compensation when a fellow student is attacked, they choose to retaliate as a group, taking matters into their own hands with mass assaults—behavior reminiscent of the dark ages. If students start dealing with their problems in a manner similar to street gangs, that is a serious problem.
Nowhere else in the world do students engage in politics as extensively as they do in Bangladesh, nor do they pledge allegiance to leaders with terms like “Sohomat Bhai” (a phrase used to express blind agreement with political leaders). If we define a student’s primary duty, it is “Chhatrang Adhyayanang Tapah”, meaning that a student’s sole focus should be studying. However, today’s students have deprioritized their primary responsibility, excelling instead in everything else. They have class parties, celebrate extravagant rag days, and organize reunions, yet their presence in academic lectures is minimal. They show no interest in taking notes, visiting the library, or gathering quality references for study. How can I compare the academic excellence of Dhaka College in the 1980s with its current situation? Schools and colleges across Bangladesh are following a similar trajectory. Have you ever heard of cadet college students blocking roads or engaging in brawls? They simply do not have the time. Strict laws and discipline ensure they remain focused on their studies. When students are required to complete their daily lessons, follow schedules, and meet deadlines, there is no room for violence, clashes, or lawlessness.
I saw in the news that a pro-vice-chancellor of Dhaka University insulted students of Dhaka College. Can this issue not be resolved through discussion? Why must it lead to a standoff between students of Dhaka University and Dhaka College? And why should the remaining six colleges affiliated with DU join the conflict? Such behavior is neither dignified nor desirable for the country’s brightest students. Just a few months ago, these same students united in a powerful movement against the then-dominant government, forcing them out of power. This sudden disunity among students is not a good sign. In the past, we have seen that when no one dared to oppose the ruling student organization, they were kept engaged in internal fights. This distancing of the general students from the ruling student body contributed to the eventual fall of a government. Will today’s students not learn from history?
Broadly speaking, if students are absent from classrooms and studies, they are not on the right path. They have deviated from their life goals, and the consequences will be severe—not just for them, but for the nation as well. Engaging in fights, extortion, and territorial control is neither a student’s primary duty nor an optional one. Their only duty is to study with discipline. Students should take to the streets in times of national crisis and stand up in moments of emergency. They must voice their demands and fight for their rights—but through disciplined means. Disrespecting teachers, attacking each other, and engaging in clashes reflect moral degradation. No one has ever won or achieved anything by fighting among themselves; they have only lost. Many promising young lives have been wasted in such senseless violence. Those who fought over an agenda on behalf of certain groups ultimately gained nothing—neither a successful career nor leadership.
Students must immediately return to their institutions, classrooms, and study desks for their own welfare. Even if we list a thousand morally upright tasks for students, engaging in violence would never be included. However, if we were to create a list of strictly prohibited actions, fighting would be at the top. Honors and master’s students are mature individuals, many capable of leading a nation. If they fail to recognize what is good for them, cannot analyze the country’s current situation, cannot distinguish between friends and foes, or fail to classify right and wrong, then their actions will be nothing short of foolishness. Some mistakes come with lifelong consequences. The aggression, hostility, internal conflicts, and lack of academic focus among students today will inevitably demand retribution someday.
The government should take a firmer stance on student discipline. It is crucial to bring students back into classrooms. The affiliation of the seven colleges with Dhaka University was a historic mistake. Who knows how long the residents of Dhaka will have to bear the consequences of this decision? A generation that blocks roads and vandalizes property at the slightest issue must be awakened to their responsibilities if the government has the means to do so. The very definition of a student is tied to education. However, their exam scripts, classroom attendance, and behavior do not indicate that they are on the right path. The disgraceful incidents that took place on Sunday night between students of Dhaka University, Dhaka College, and the seven affiliated colleges will leave a lasting stain. The sooner this issue is resolved, the better. If students stop falling for rumors, assess the situation wisely, and return to their respective campuses, that would be the most intelligent decision.
