THE problem of student unrest is not an uncommon phenomenon particularly in developing countries. In Bangladesh the role of student politics has some special significance. Historically, the students have been at the vanguard of various national struggles. They have proven that good leadership during turbulent times can bring results.

In achieving our democracy the contribution of the students can never be underestimated. Quite a few of our leading politicians came to the fore after taking an active role in politics during their student days. Among them are Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Tofael Ahmed, Abdur Rob, Kamruzzaman, Motia Chowdhury, Badruddin Omar, Mohammad Toha, Rashed Khan Menon etc. It may be relevant to point out in this regard that Sheikh Mujib showed his leadership qualities in Kolkata in early 1940 and in Dhaka University 1948(state language issue).

Student politics in Bangladesh originated in united India. During Pakistani rule Chattra League became the most organised and powerful student organisation due to its good leadership and firm commitment to achieving various rights of the people. It was most active as the auxiliary force of the AL. We are all aware of their support during the liberation war. They always remained above greed and malice and faced the highly trained Pakistani army with hardly any training because the only thing they had in mind was the independence of their country. This was the spirit of our students in 1971.

From 1969 when Sheikh Mujib was behind bars in connection with the Agartala case the students continued the agitation, which forced the Pakistan government to start negotiations with Mujib and was followed by the abdication of President Ayub.

After the assassination of Bangabhandhu the students of Chattra League became targets of repression. They, however, played a pivotal role in the movement against Ershad to restore democracy. In 1990 Ershad had to step down. The student movement during that time played a pivotal role to bring about the downfall of this autocrat.

The relationship between the student wings of AL and BNP continued to remain calm until 2001. With the setting up of the four-party alliance government the student wing of BNP started becoming hostile towards Bangladesh Chattra League (BCL) and there have been reports of a large number of atrocities perpetuated on the members of BCL.

With the setting up of the AL-led government a part of the BCL started getting antagonistic towards the Jatiyotabadi Chatra Dal (JCD) in a similar fashion as was done by JCD during the 2001-06 period. However, due to timely interference of Sheikh Hasina the intensity of such acts was reduced.

The malicious activities of BCL could not be stopped despite repeated warnings of its chief Sheikh Hasina. She resigned from the post of the chief out of sheer frustration. However, many AL well wishers could not appreciate this step taken by Hasina, firstly because she is symbol of unity of AL and all of its institutions and the future of AL depends much on the quality of the emerging leaders from BCL. BCL needs the right guidance and direction of senior leaders of AL and the financial support from the party on regular basis so that they remain free from nefarious activities because of financial constraint. Banning student politics right away might not be such a good idea as it still has some role to play in Bangladeshi politics.

The AL-led government is aiming for a 'digital Bangladesh' by 2021. Attaining such a height is possible only if all the institutions work properly and a peaceful condition prevails. As one of the most powerful institutions for running a democratic order effectively the student wing of AL needs more attention from its high command.

A successful dialogue (or a series of them) may bring a peaceful solution to the current problem. What is needed at this hour is patience and persuasion.

A.B.M.S Zahur is a former joint secretary.