The prevailing unhealthy situations in the educational Institutes. President Sha-habuddln's recent address at Sylhet. and the Prime Minister's proposal for ban on student politics, have encouraged me in writing this letter.

The students participated and played significant role in 1952. 1969. and 1971 in the pol-itics of Bangladesh. Nation really wanted their participation at that time, even in 1990. We do respect their glorious role. Rest of the world is also probably aware of this bright history. But. at this moment, is there any necessity for student politics in the country?

Although I was a kid in 1974. just arrived in Bangladesh. I can still remember the sombre incidence of seven students' killing in a residential hall at Dhaka University in 1973. Since my brothers and sisters started going to colleges and universities at that time, my parents were worried, and the contemporary politics became a common issue of debate in our domestic lives. Perhaps 1 asked my elder brother, a uni-student, "Why they have been killed?'' "You are too young to understand." he replied. I was really too young to understand the complexity of student politics, but during the subsequent years. I possibly started understanding the glorious curve of student politics moving downtrack from that time. The current Incidences at the universities are the legacy of that bru-,a'^udent politics Is a good business in Bangladesh today. A good number of so-called student leaders have become millionaire using muscle, political liaison, and position. I know one leader who bought a flat in Dhaka before he could graduate. After being graduated, the leader and nis wife managed to get jobs in the same place, using their godfather in 1994. This fact is a chip off the whole block. Student wings of the ruling party and the opposition, both are same. The clash or rivalry between them is only for muscle show and opportunities. There is no Issue regarding political ethics or principles.

This is not stunning that university teachers do not want the ban on student politics (The Dally Star 25.4.1998). In Bangladesh, after the bureau crats. university teachers are having good time. Since, the universities remain closed most of the time, they (not all) can do other business, particularly. consultancy. Frequent closure of the universities does not create any problem In respect of their promotion. The

length of service, number of publications (some are really obscure), and support of the departmental head, are the factors. Quality of teaching, research. and project management. are never the driving forces. In a single syndicate meeting, more than hundred teachers can be promoted to professor level. We can perhaps beat the whole world in terms of number of professors, (certainly) not if in quality of education.

Strong political backing is often required to become a Vice Chancellor. Dean or Director. The student leaders liaise between the interested teacher(s) and ruling party. Here is a fact for the readers: The then Vice Chancellor (sorry. I've forgot his name) of Bangladesh Agricultural University died in 1993. For some reason. I had to visit the university the day after the VC had died. In the lift. I met one gentleman, circled by several students. One of the students asked him. "Sir. who is the next VC." The reply still resonances into my ear. "Let Chan-chal return from Dhaka, he will bring the decision". I did not know who was Chanchai. Virtually. Chanchai was a student leader. More surprisingly, that gentleman (a professor) became the VC of Khulna University later on. I think, I will have the similar experience now as well.

The political parties of our country are greatly responsible for this situation. They do not have faith on their ability, principles, aim, and objectives. That's why the parties are heavily dependent on the student wings. They give shelter to the culprits. The nation Is well informed of the roles of many politicians in this regard. To be in the power, is the only motto. The professional integrity of the politicians is at stake, and it is blinking. It is good to talk less about them, because they are lawmakers.

1'11 advise the students not to be Involved in the politics. Some of your friends/politicians use your shoulder and chest in the name of politics. You loss your life, putting the entire family in distress, for no reason. You are supposed to complete your course within less than four years. Unfortunately, you can't make it even within seven years. Who is paying for this extra three years? Why are you spoiling golden three years for nothing? You may argue that students are frustrated: they are worried of their future, as there Is no Job guarantee after the study Then no one forces you to go for higher study. You know

how tough it is to get an opportunity for admission to the universities better than I do. Then why are you not taking the chance to build yourself? Think thrice, before jumping into the rubbish bin! If the situation does not improve, taxpayers may ask the government to abolish the universities. Taxpayers may not be interested to invest in the dumping centres any more.

I dare to talk about the teachers in Bangladesh. This is really a sensitive issue. Why the teachers have to contest for different positions under the pink, white, blue, or khaki banner (basically political)? This is rubbish. Teachers should not bear any colour. They loss their professional integrity, and respect. due to this earmarking. Unfortunately, this is quite rampant in our society. I must say. this banner/grouping encourages the students in creating the unfair situation. The teachers can play a key role in stopping the hooliganism and anarchy.

Our President realises the situation. He is our apex guardian, and has called the political parties several times to ban student politics. Recently. the Prime Minister has also made a proposal to bring a ban on student politics. Should we be hopeful?

If the government has an honest intention in putting the students on the right track, they should start it now. Since it is a political crisis, the politicians should come forward. A special Parliamentary Committee, represented by all parties, may be formed to investigate the entire situation. They should try to realise the problems of students and teachers, and try to get their say. Consent from the members of different professional groups should be valued. According to the recommendation of tne committee, a bill may be placed for consideration before the parliament.

If the incumbent Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition cannot make it. no angel can make it for us. You should keep in mind, if you really want to halt this deterioration. you have to break the egg. otherwise you cannot make the omelette If you do not take further practical initiative in this regard, we have the reasons to believe that, you are Machiavellian: appearing to be pious.

Tarik

Graduate School of the Environment

Macquarie University

North Ryde. Sydney. NSW 2109, Australia