In a recent development that has stirred the academic atmosphere, students of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) have initiated a boycott of classes and exams. This drastic step was taken in response to alleged political activities by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists on campus, despite an existing ban on student politics following the tragic murder of a student, Abrar Fahad, in 2019.
The Buet campus, with a storied history entwined with the nation’s political developments, has been a pivotal arena for student politics since the days of Pakistan. Its involvement in significant political movements, including the Language Movement of 1948 and the Liberation War of 1971, underscores its legacy as a breeding ground for political activism. However, the recent history of violence and death has cast a shadow over student politics at the institution.
Despite the ban implemented after the death of Abrar Fahad, the resurgence of political activities, notably by the BCL in the early hours of a Thursday, has reignited concerns among students. This act of defiance against the ban has led to renewed protests, demanding a politics-free educational environment.
The history of student politics at Buet has been marked by periods of vibrant political engagement and dark chapters of violence leading to the loss of student lives. From the pre-independence era to the modern day, student politics has evolved, but the recent incidents suggest a detrimental impact on the academic and social fabric of the university.
The tragic incidents, including the murders of Sabekun Nahar Sony in 2002, Arif Raihan Dwip in 2013, and Abrar Fahad in 2019, have been pivotal in shaping the current stance against student politics on campus. These events have not only led to the loss of promising lives but have also sparked movements demanding the cessation of political activities within the university premises.
The demand for a politics-free campus is driven by the desire for a safe and conducive learning environment, free from the disruptions and dangers associated with student politics. The students’ stance is clear: the academic integrity and safety of the university community must be prioritized over political ambitions.
The recent High Court decision to stay the ban on student politics in Buet has opened the doors for political activities to resume on campus. This development has led to a split in opinion among the student body, with some advocating for the return of politics as a means of engagement and representation, while others fear the resurgence of violence and disruption.
As Buet stands at this crossroads, the call for a politics-free campus reflects a deeper yearning for change—a change towards prioritizing education, safety, and the well-being of the student community over political gains. The ongoing protests and debates highlight a critical moment in Buet’s history, as it grapples with the legacy of its political past and the vision for its future.
