Cut AL's link with BCL
5 educationists urge PM, warn against destructive politics
Five noted educationists of the country have urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to sever all direct and indirect links between the Awami League and Bangladesh Chhatra League to maintain a congenial atmosphere at all educational institutions.
"The Awami League needs to sever direct and indirect links with Chhatra League to keep students and youths away from destructive politics and maintain a congenial atmosphere in educational institutions," said a statement signed by Prof Kabir Chowdhury, Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury, Prof Jamal Nazrul Islam and Prof Anisuzzaman.
"The Awami League needs to sever direct and indirect links with Chhatra League to keep students and youths away from destructive politics and maintain a congenial atmosphere in educational institutions," said a statement signed by Prof Kabir Chowdhury, Prof Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury, Prof Jamal Nazrul Islam and Prof Anisuzzaman.
They also urged the PM to issue orders to the authorities of all educational institutions and local administration "to strictly check all criminal and unruly activities of all students and those who are not students at educational institutions".They said this decision is a must for restoring the glorious heritage of student politics.
Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, Prof Serajul Islam said student politics has moved away from its glorious past since there is no ideological practice within the two major parties--AL and BNP--and their student bodies.
Saying he is not against student politics, he said students now get involved in politics for personal benefits instead of working for the welfare of the students or addressing national problems. He blamed capitalism for the present situation where everyone is busy making money.
Saying he is not against student politics, he said students now get involved in politics for personal benefits instead of working for the welfare of the students or addressing national problems. He blamed capitalism for the present situation where everyone is busy making money.
Prof Serajul Islam urged the prime minister to take steps so that student leaders do not get shelters from either the government or the ruling party at any level.
Terming student politics very important for the country, he said it should deal with students' problems first and a positive campaign should be launched to bring student politics on track.
The state should patronise secular force for that, he said, adding that students should speak for their welfare, hold debates on issues related to students and the nation, practise creative writing, get involved in cultural activities, sports and other extra-curricular activities to retain the image of student politics.
To do so and to keep students away from dirty politics, Prof Serajul Islam stressed the need for holding elections to student unions in all educational institutions including the Dhaka University Central Student Union (Ducsu).
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