Are teachers and students the weapons of a group tools used by a group of people?

Why do ruling political governments choose educational institutions as one of their primary tools to maintain power? The answer to this question is clear to everyone, at least if we look back at history. A simple analysis of how students have been used for partisan interests, and what has been the fate of the students in return, can provide a lot of information. Or those who have been involved in such activities can tell best what they actually got and what they hoped for or wanted to be used for. However, it can be said without doubt that many students have become disinterested in studies due to such activities, and many tragic incidents have occurred and are occurring in the educational sector. The brutal incident of students killing students is the result of the terrible influence and prestige of the ruling political party, and it can be said that it has happened many times under all political governments. There are many such precedents under all political governments.

The recent mass uprising of students and the subsequent formation of an interim government have seen the simultaneous resignation of vice-chancellors from all public universities. It is clear that these resignations are directly linked to the fall of the government. This indicates that they were politically appointed and ran and controlled the educational institutions in line with the goals and objectives of the political government. It goes without saying that political appointments are a common occurrence in all political governments. Needless to say, their qualifications or suitability for the position are never a consideration for the political government. Rather, the primary consideration is how much they can or will work for the political party. In simpler terms, the main consideration is how sincere and active they will be in serving as ‘brokers’ for the political party. As a result, we have seen that these appointees have worked, and will continue to work in the future, to serve the interests of the political party rather than education.

However, since the government that appointed them has fallen, they no longer found any rational reason to remain in power or did not consider it safe to stay in power, and resigned without any trouble. Again, it has been heard that in some places, vice-chancellors and their assistants have resigned or been forced to resign under pressure from students. We have also received news of several objectionable incidents at the school and college levels, which were not desirable. Incidents of students humiliating teachers have also come to light, which is very sad, frustrating, and alarming. It is alarming because the respectful behavior that students should have towards teachers seems to be absent. It seems to have almost disappeared, and this has been done by the political government and its party organizations. The family cannot be absolved of its responsibility either. No other institution in society can instill the sense of morality and teach righteous behavior that family education can.

I’m not sure if there’s a precedent anywhere in the world where educational institutions have been consistently politicized as they have been in Bangladesh under all political governments. The mass uprisings and achievements of students and the people against all forms of inequality in the state must be reflected in the actions of the current caretaker government. This can be achieved through their prudence and accurate planning. First, they must appoint qualified, competent, and suitable individuals as vice-chancellors, teachers, or administrative officers in educational institutions, who must have a positive acceptance in society, the state, and above all, in the academic world. A parent was saying that partisan politics seem to have destroyed everything. There’s no conscience, no consciousness. Greed and self-interest are everywhere. Instead of professional responsibilities, the self-interest of political individuals and groups has been cultivated continuously in these institutions.

The education system has been repeatedly neglected through various means and strategies. Many believe that if the current government doesn’t pay close attention to educational institutions, history will repeat itself. There is a particular need for discretion in all appointments, including the selection of vice-chancellors.

Although there is a mixed sense of doubt and reaction among many regarding the government’s stance, a certain group believes that the manner in which changes and actions are being taken raises questions about whether there is any scope for discretion. The government must work beyond revenge and retaliation. Otherwise, the same situation will recur. They don’t want to see a repeat of past events. They believe that reforming processes is more important than individuals, which would be truly educational. The right processes and regulations can foster individual accountability.

It’s heard that many teachers are going door-to-door to students with their impressive resumes, aspiring to become vice-chancellors. We should consider whether empowering students in this matter undermines their image. If this is true, it’s not good at all. Because previously, political student organizations were involved in such activities. Encouraging such practices is not right. It is necessary to pay attention to ensuring that students can receive proper education from educational institutions, that there is no opportunity for any kind of cruelty, and that security is ensured. The education sector must have the mindset and commitment to provide Bangladesh with educated and morally upright citizens. It is important for everyone, especially the state, to ensure that no individual or group can exploit students for their own interests. Parents and all people should be aware of this.