Jagannath University hosted a student-organized exhibition debate on the controversial topic of campus-based student politics on Monday. The event took place in front of the Bhasha Shaheed Rafiq Building drew over 300 participants, who engaged in a heated discussion on whether student politics should be banned at the university.
The motion for the debate was that the 'House believes campus-based student politics should be banned.' Following the arguments from both sides, the majority of attendees cast their votes in favor of the ban, signaling significant support for ending student political activities on campus.
The debate featured the government side advocating for the ban and the opposition side arguing against it. The government team included Md Riazul Islam, Main Al Mubashir, and Mehedi Hasan, while the opposition was represented by Inamul Haque Ihad, Kishore Anjum Samyo, and Naima Akter Rita.
The government team argued that student politics has a negative impact on the academic environment.
They highlighted issues such as disruptions in educational activities, hall seat trading, extortion near campus, and the overall degradation of the learning environment. They proposed that instead of political activities, students should engage in cultural and service-oriented organizations like the Rover Scouts, Debate Club, BNCC, and Rangers. They also suggested establishing a new student council to foster leadership development while allowing students to maintain political affiliations outside the university.
The opposition team defended the role of student politics, citing its historical significance in Bangladesh. They referenced pivotal moments such as the 1952 Language Movement, the 1969 mass uprising, and the 1990 anti-dictatorship movement as evidence of its positive impact on national politics. They argued that banning student politics would undermine these historic contributions.
At the end of debate presiding judge recommended a ban on student politics in light of the overwhelming support for the motion. He also suggested revitalizing the Jagannath University Students' Union (JnUSU) as a new platform for student engagement.
