Gazi Azam Hossan, BRUR CorrespondentĀ :
The central student union election has not been held even after 17 years of the establishment of Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur.
After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, demands were raised for a central student union election by banning student politics in all public universities of the country. In continuation of this, demands were raised for a student union election at Begum Rokeya University as well.
According to university sources, all types of partisan student politics were banned in the university in the 108th syndicate meeting on October 28 last year.Ā In addition, an office order on April 15 said that if allegations of extortion, tender rigging, residential hall seat trading, anti-social and anti-state activities and involvement in fringe political activities in the university are proven after investigation, ‘the maximum punishment is life-long expulsion and cancellation of studentship’ and, if necessary, a decision to establish peace is taken according to the prevailing laws of the country.
Meanwhile, the university administration says that since the central student parliament is not in the university law, the election cannot be held. Therefore, the university administration sent it to the chancellor through the UGC for approval. It is still with the chancellor, i.e. the president. As a result, the central student parliament election cannot be organized at Begum Rokeya University.
Meanwhile, university students have been demanding student parliament elections. Many have expressed disappointment and anger as there has been no approval and roadmap so far.
Rishad, a student of the Computer Science and Engineering department, said that along with the teachers’ obstruction, another big obstacle behind the lack of a student parliament in BRUR is the students.Ā No one who follows big or small political parties wants a student parliament. Because if a student parliament comes, a big nail will be put in the coffin of party politics. And the strong position of the party will also be shaken. Because it will be seen that someone from a small party or not belonging to any party will rise to a big position, which will not be at all convenient for the big parties. That is why we see that no one in BRUR ‘really’ wants a student parliament.
He also said, when many demands or statements are made, they are silent there, saying only ‘we want a student parliament in BRUR. We have seen in DU, CU, RU how students have started to forcefully start a student parliament. Although there are the same problems as us there. Still, they are succeeding because some people want a student parliament over political obstacles. And even ordinary students do not know what a student parliament actually is? What is its benefit? So, the point is the same. No student parliament actually wants a student parliament. That is why it is not being implemented.
Ā Shahriar Sohag, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism and a fellow fighter of Abu Saeed, said, “Even though university student politics is temporarily closed, politics is still going on secretly. One of the means of participation for all university students is the student parliament election. We need to add the student parliament to our law in accordance with the appropriate rules, who will be the voters, what process will be followed, etc. We want a student parliament election to be held quickly in the university.”
Student organization’s position on the student parliament election
BRUR Chhatra Dal convener Amin Al Amin said, “We want student parliament elections. Student parliament elections should be held not only in Berobi but in all colleges and universities in the country. In this, student organizations will be under pressure. They will not be able to get involved in any crime if they want. And if the student parliament election is to be organized, student politics must be active there. Everyone will fight in the election from everyone’s place. Ordinary students will choose the candidate they like.”
Shibir President Sumon Sarkar said, “We want student parliament elections to be held quickly. In that case, students and the administration will have to move forward from both sides. It is possible to provide cooperation to the student parliament election.”
Ā Since there is no student parliament in the university law, the university administration formed a policy formulation committee. In this, the university’s proctor convener and student advisor were made member secretaries. In addition, the provosts of three halls were included in the committee. In this regard, the proctor and student advisor said that the policy has been formulated and it has also been passed by the syndicate. It has been sent to the Honorable President for approval.
In this regard, the university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Shawkat Ali said, “I said right after joining the university that if students do not want student politics, it will be banned. That is what has been done. Now the university’s tail-wagging student politics is closed. And since the student parliament is not in the law, I cannot hold elections in violation of the law. That is why it has been sent to the Honorable President through the UGC. If he approves, the elections can be moved forward. I hope it will happen soon.
