According to a recent survey conducted by Dhaka University Research Society (DURS), 96 per cent students believe that party-based student politics negatively affects the academic environment at the university.
83.8 per cent of students expect party-based student politics to be completely banned on campus, while only 16 per cent comment in favor of a reformed version of student politics, survey results indicated.
A mere 0.2 per cent of the participants of the survey expect the current state of party-based student politics to remain unchanged, and 88 per cent view it as having 'no significance' on campus.
The survey, which took place from September 3 to September 11, involved 2,237 students from 78 departments and 10 institutes at DU.
Participants included students from the academic sessions of 2017-18 to 2023-24.
DURS revealed the survey results at a press conference at DU Journalists' Association (DUJA) office on Tuesday.
Researchers Tamanna Akhter Shanta, Nirjona Islam, Md Manowar Hossain, Md Didarul Islam, Naim Chowdhury, Md Abir Hossen Anik, Humaira Anzir, AKM Probal and Faiza Karim Feema of DURS conducted the survey.
Regarding the impact of party-based student politics on the educational environment, 96 per cent of students perceive it negatively, with 71 per cent considering the impact 'very negative' and 25 per cent 'negative'.
In contrast, 3 per cent believe that party-based student politics has a positive effect, with 1 per cent finding it 'very positive' and 2 per cent 'positive'.
Additionally, 1 per cent of the participants feel that it has no impact on the educational environment.
As an alternative to party-based student politics, 81.9 per cent of students support the revival of regular DU Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections.
On the issue of the DUCSU and party-based student politics, 80 per cent of students expressed a preference for 'only the student union, but not party-based student politics.'
When asked about the main impacts of student politics, 87.5 per cent of students cited abuse of power, 87.3 per cent mentioned mental pressure on ordinary students, 84.7 per cent referred to a dangerous 'guest room culture', 77.2 per cent highlighted politically motivated violence, 74.1 per cent noted riots and disturbances, 68.8 per cent pointed to failure in maintaining neutrality, 68.7 per cent indicated the influence of national political parties, 11.4 per cent saw opportunities for leadership, 4.6 per cent mentioned the creation of brotherhood, and 4.5 per cent identified other impacts.
The survey also showed that 94 per cent of students do not support campus-based or hall-based party committees. Furthermore, 95 per cent of students do not support meetings, rallies, or processions related to party-based student politics on campus.
Additionally, 81 per cent of students believe that political activities have negatively impacted their academic lives.
Regarding the university administration's role in managing and controlling party-based student politics, 59 per cent of students rated it as 'very unsatisfactory', 27 per cent as 'unsatisfactory', 9 per cent as 'average', 3 per cent as 'satisfactory', and 1 per cent as 'very satisfactory'.
Moreover, 87 per cent of students believe that party-based student politics does not genuinely contribute to national leadership development.
The survey also revealed that 74 per cent of students have had negative experiences due to political activities, while only 26 per cent have not.
90 per cent of students do not wish to join any political organisation in the future.
Based on the survey results, the researchers came up with four recommendations including a ban on party-based student politics on DU campus, holding DUCSU polls regularly, establishment of a committee for the development of education and research and ensuring a conducive environment for education and research.
