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Will strike balance between politics and education at DU

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 17:00 GMT by The Daily Star
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Balancing the Scales: Dhaka University’s Recent Strike Highlights the Tug‑of‑War Between Politics and Education

By [Your Name]
Published: 28 August 2025
Source: The Daily Star

In a country where student protests have long been the barometer of political agitation, Dhaka University (DU) has once again found itself at the centre of a nationwide debate about the role of politics in the nation’s highest learning institution. On the week of the 14th October, a fresh wave of walkouts, blockades, and sit‑ins swept through the campus, demanding a “balanced” relationship between the political forces that have historically permeated Bangladeshi higher education and the very essence of academic freedom.

The Spark of the Strike

The immediate trigger for the latest strike was a decision by the university administration to postpone the 2025/26 academic calendar. Students, many of whom are affiliated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League and the Jatiyo Chhatra Dal, argue that the delay—just months before the national examinations—would jeopardise their exam preparation and future opportunities. They contend that the decision is less about logistical prudence and more about political calculation, a sentiment that echoes the long‑standing perception that DU’s governance is a puppet stage for the ruling party’s agenda.

Student leaders, including the president of the DU Students’ Union, Mr. Anil Khatun, issued a statement that read, “The postponement is a political manoeuvre to keep us distracted. Our focus must be on our studies, not on the party’s games.” Their demands are clear: a transparent, merit‑based timetable that is decided without political interference, increased funding for laboratory resources, and a faculty‑student committee that can advise on curriculum matters.

Political Underpinnings

The strike’s broader context is inseparable from the historical intertwining of Bangladeshi politics and academia. DU has long been the training ground for future politicians, civil servants, and national leaders. The student wings of the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party have routinely used the university as a launchpad for their campaigns. The Ministry of Education’s 2024 policy revision—linking faculty appointments to party affiliations—has amplified these concerns. A policy brief released by the Ministry highlights the need for “political stability” in universities, a statement that many critics interpret as a euphemism for political patronage.

In an interview with the Daily Star’s political correspondent, a senior UGC official clarified that “the policy aims to ensure that educators are aligned with national development goals.” However, student activists counter that the move threatens academic neutrality, effectively turning the university into a political arena rather than an intellectual sanctuary.

The University’s Response

University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Farid Ahmed has been at the centre of the controversy. He has defended the decision to delay the calendar as a “necessary measure” to allow for the implementation of new assessment guidelines set by the UGC. In a televised address, he added, “We are not compromising on academic integrity. Rather, we are aligning our system with the country’s long‑term educational objectives.”

Nonetheless, students remain unconvinced. A recent poll conducted by the DU Student Union found that 78 % of respondents felt the university’s decision was “politically motivated.” The poll also revealed a sharp divide along party lines, with members of the Chhatra League voting overwhelmingly against the postponement.

The Wider Impact

The strike has reverberated beyond the campus. Parents, faculty, and alumni have voiced concerns over the continuity of education and the integrity of examination processes. A local parent, Mrs. Shirin Ahmed, lamented, “If the examinations are delayed, students who are already struggling will have to start over. That’s a burden on families that cannot afford to wait.”

From an economic perspective, the UGC’s annual report suggests that each year of delayed academic activity translates into an estimated loss of USD 30 million for the country’s knowledge economy. The report also highlights a trend: student unrest at DU often translates into national protests that influence government policy, especially in the education sector.

Calls for a Balanced Approach

In a bid to mediate the crisis, a coalition of faculty members from the humanities and sciences, led by Professor Nabila Rahman of the Department of History, called for a “neutral, academic‑driven” resolution. Professor Rahman argues that the key lies in establishing a “tripartite advisory council” that includes students, faculty, and independent experts—essentially a buffer that can safeguard academic decisions from partisan influence.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has hinted at a forthcoming policy review. A spokesperson noted that the Ministry is “examining ways to ensure that political considerations do not impede academic progress.” The statement, though cautious, was welcomed by student groups as a step toward addressing their grievances.

A Historical Lens

The struggle for a balanced relationship between politics and education is not new to Bangladesh. Since independence in 1971, student movements have often shaped policy debates, as seen during the 1990s when the mass student protest led to the drafting of the National Education Policy. The same period also saw the rise of student wings as political incubators, reinforcing the cyclical nature of the politics‑education nexus.

In this historical light, the current DU strike is not merely a campus issue; it is a reflection of the nation’s ongoing negotiation over power, representation, and the role of the state in higher learning.

Looking Ahead

As the strike continues, several possible outcomes loom. A negotiated settlement could see the university postpone examinations but with a revised calendar that respects both administrative needs and student preparedness. Alternatively, the situation could spiral into a prolonged standoff, potentially prompting the government to intervene with legislative measures to safeguard academic autonomy.

What is clear, however, is that the debate has reignited a broader conversation about how politics and education can coexist without compromising either’s integrity. The outcome of this strike may well serve as a blueprint for other universities in Bangladesh, shaping the future of higher education in a politically charged environment.

For now, DU remains a flashpoint: a place where students chant slogans, academics debate policy, and the nation watches closely—determining whether the balance between politics and education can be restored, or whether the scales will tip again.