What is the future of politics in Bangladesh? Is it leading towards conflict and violence or democratic progression? Joining us for this conversation are two prominent student leaders:
- Md. Faizullah Noman, General Secretary of the State Reform Student Movement, Central Committee
- Sohel Raj, Student Leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Rajshahi College, Rajshahi.
As the ruling Awami League seems eager to be more active in field politics, the question arises: will it be through violence or democratic processes?
Md. Faizullah Noman shared his view, stating: “If, after ruling for 15 years, a government is forced to flee the country or go into exile, it is a sign that the party has worked against the people and the nation. If that same party is now signaling its renewed activeness through social media and other platforms, it suggests they are preparing to create chaos.”
On the topic of whether political divisions are fragmenting the student community, Noman responded:
Look, before the July uprising and for the 54 years before it, and in the next 100 years to come, I doubt we will see another Bangladesh like this. This nation can be re-imagined through the unwavering energy of youth. Many people may see this as ideological division, but in reality, it is not.
Sohel Raj was asked about the root cause of conflict and violence in Bangladesh’s current political landscape. He responded with a historical perspective:
If you go back 200 years, there was no Bangladesh or Pakistan, only the Indian subcontinent. At that time, the British viewed us as a colony to exploit. They had no constitution, only a belief that we enjoyed being oppressed and remained silent despite being exploited. That same fascist mentality still lingers today. The current constitution of Bangladesh has become ineffective, and the ongoing political crisis and violence can only be resolved through constitutional reforms.
Regarding how to address the social unrest caused by the lack of political dialogue in Bangladesh, Sohel Raj highlighted:
In Bangladesh’s context, we see roundtable discussions on one side, and on the other, students and the public are out on the streets in protest. Everyone must unite under the banner of unity, working together without divisions based on political parties or groups. There should be no place for discrimination, injustice, or communalism. Moreover, we talk about education as a fundamental right, but why is a student from a rural village growing up in a marginalized community, while the child of an MP or minister studies in a completely different environment? There’s a significant divide between rural and urban education systems, and this disparity must be addressed. Structural changes are required to overcome social unrest.
