National Politics: Why Over 75% of Students Lost Interest in it

Bangladesh’s youth, once a driving force in national politics, are now disengaged. Explore the reasons behind this shift and its implications for the country’s future.

Date: November 05, 2024

In a country where student activism has historically played a pivotal role in shaping political discourse, a growing sense of disillusionment has taken hold among the youth of Bangladesh. Once the driving force behind major movements, Bangladeshi students today appear to be increasingly disengaged from the machinations of national politics. This shift in attitude raises crucial questions about the state of democratic participation and the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape.

The Waning Influence of Student in National Politics

Bangladesh has a rich legacy of student-led political movements, from the Language Movement of the 1950s to the more recent mass protests of 2018 and 2024. These student uprisings have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s political trajectory, often serving as a counterbalance to the established political elite

However, in recent years, the influence of student politics has waned significantly. According to a study by the Link to external study on declining student political participation in Bangladesh, the number of students actively involved in political organizations has decreased by over 30% since the early 2000s. This trend is mirrored by a growing sense of cynicism among the youth, who increasingly view national politics as a realm of corruption, nepotism, and empty promises.

Factors Driving the Disenchantment

Several key factors have contributed to the growing disenchantment among Bangladeshi students, leading to their disengagement from national politics.

1. Disillusionment with the Political Establishment

Successive governments in Bangladesh, irrespective of their political affiliation, have been marred by allegations of corruption, cronyism, and a lack of genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of the people. This has eroded the trust of the youth, who feel that their aspirations and demands are often sidelined in favor of the narrow interests of the political elite.

As one Bangladeshi university student, Rima, expressed, “The political parties in Bangladesh are more focused on power struggles and personal agendas than addressing the real issues facing the country. It’s no wonder students are turning away from national politics – we don’t see any meaningful change or representation of our voices.”

2. Disillusionment with Youth Political Organizations

The student wings of Bangladesh’s major political parties, such as the Chatra League and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, have long been accused of engaging in violence, intimidation, and the pursuit of partisan interests rather than serving the needs of the student community. These accusations have further alienated many young people, who view these organizations as extensions of the very political system they seek to reform

“The student wings of the political parties have become nothing more than muscle-flexing machines,” said Rahim, a recent graduate from a public university in Dhaka. “They’re more interested in fighting each other than addressing the real issues facing students, like rising tuition fees and lack of campus resources.”

3. Perceived Lack of Meaningful Representation

The absence of young, dynamic leaders and the dominance of entrenched political elites in Bangladesh have contributed to the growing sense of disillusionment among students. Many feel that their voices and concerns are not adequately represented in the country’s political discourse, leading to a perception of political marginalization.

“When I look at the leaders of our political parties, I don’t see anyone who truly understands the aspirations and challenges of young people like me,” said Anika, a university student in Chittagong. “It’s as if we’re an afterthought in the grand scheme of things.”

4. Prioritization of Economic Concerns over Political Engagement

In recent years, there has been a notable shift among Bangladeshi students, with a growing emphasis on securing stable employment and economic opportunities rather than actively engaging in national politics. This pragmatic approach reflects the challenges faced by young people in a rapidly evolving job market, where the pursuit of personal and financial security has taken precedence over national politics and it’s activism.

“These days, most students are more focused on getting good grades, finding a decent job, and securing their own future,” said Samia, a student at a private university in Dhaka. “The uncertainty of the job market and the rising cost of living have made it harder for us to prioritize national politics & political engagement.”

The Consequences of Student Disengagement

The waning influence of student politics in Bangladesh has significant implications for the country’s democratic process and future development.

1. Weakening of Checks and Balances

Student movements have historically played a vital role in providing a counterbalance to the power of established political parties and holding the government accountable. Their withdrawal from national politics could result in a further consolidation of power by the political elite, with fewer avenues for public scrutiny and democratic oversight.

As noted by on the role of student activism in Bangladeshi democracy, “The diminishing influence of student politics means that one of the key checks on the abuse of power by the political establishment has been weakened, posing a threat to the long-term health of Bangladesh’s democracy.”

2. Stagnation of Social and Political Reforms

Student movements have historically been at the forefront of driving social and political reforms in Bangladesh, from advocating for greater rights and freedoms to championing the cause of marginalized communities. The retreat of Bangladeshi students from national politics could slow the pace of progressive change and limit the opportunities for transformative reforms

“Student activists have been the driving force behind many of the positive changes we’ve seen in Bangladesh over the years,” said Link to external expert opinion on the role of student activism in Bangladesh. “If they continue to disengage from national politics, we risk losing that vital source of energy and dynamism that has pushed our country forward.”

3. Impaired Intergenerational Dialogue

The withdrawal of Bangladeshi students from national politics could also hinder the crucial dialogue between the younger generation and established political leaders. This disconnect could lead to a widening generational gap, where the priorities and concerns of the youth are not adequately reflected in the decision-making processes.

“When young people disengage from politics, it becomes harder for our leaders to understand the needs and aspirations of the next generation,” said Reza, a professor of political science at the University of Dhaka. “This lack of intergenerational exchange could hamper the ability of our political system to adapt and respond to the changing realities of our society.”

Reviving Student Engagement

To address the growing disenchantment among Bangladeshi students and revive their engagement in national politics, a multifaceted approach is necessary

1. Promoting Transparency and Accountability

The political establishment in Bangladesh must demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, and the eradication of corruption. This would involve strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, and empowering the media to play its watchdog role effectively

2. Reforming Student Political Organizations

The student wings of political parties in Bangladesh must undergo a process of reform, moving away from the culture of violence, intimidation, and partisan interests, and instead embracing democratic values, inclusive representation, and a focus on addressing the genuine concerns of the student community.

3. Fostering Youth Leadership and Representation

The political parties in Bangladesh must make a concerted effort to nurture and promote young, dynamic leaders who can serve as role models and bridge the gap between the establishment and the youth. This could involve creating dedicated youth wings within the parties, implementing mentorship programs, and ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and integrated into the decision-making process

4. Prioritizing Education and Economic Empowerment

By addressing the economic concerns of Bangladeshi students, through investments in education, job creation, and entrepreneurship, the government and political leaders can create an environment that fosters a sense of stability and security, encouraging young people to engage more actively in the political process

Conclusion

The disenchantment of Bangladeshi students with national politics is a complex and multifaceted issue, one that carries significant implications for the country’s democratic future. Addressing this challenge will require a concerted effort by the political establishment, civil society, and the student community itself, to rebuild trust, foster meaningful representation, and create an environment that nurtures and empowers the next generation of leaders.

As Bangladesh navigates the challenges of the 21st century, the active engagement of its youth in the political process will be crucial in shaping the country’s trajectory. By reviving the spirit of student activism and ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and heeded, Bangladesh can unlock the transformative potential of its greatest asset – its people.

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