Nasir Uddin Nasir, a postgraduate student in the Japan Studies Department at Dhaka University, has been actively involved in student politics for over a decade. He currently serves as the General Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP. In an interview with Dhaka Tribune, he discussed the recent student uprising, contemporary student politics, the education system, and the future of Bangladesh.
1) How does the Chhatra Dal view the ban on student politics in some universities and colleges?
I haven’t heard of any comprehensive ban on student politics. In certain instances, general students, frustrated by the oppression of the Chhatra League, have declared such bans, but it’s not a widespread phenomenon. A new era began after the fall of Sheikh Hasina, driven by a massive student-public movement. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement—a platform encompassing all student organizations, except for the Chhatra League—has emerged. Any concerns general students have due to the BCL’s actions can be alleviated through student-friendly initiatives and by advocating for their rights. After this movement, students are more aware of why it is necessary to be engaged in politics to save their country.
2) How do you plan to operate on campuses under these circumstances?
There are many challenges ahead of us. We must break away from the old-school mindset and patterns of student politics to create a better Bangladesh. The Chhatra Dal is committed to initiating a positive trend in student politics that focuses on the needs and rights of students. We aim to restore a healthy environment by ending corruption, disappearances, murders, and violence.
3) How did the Chhatra Dal contribute to the quota reform movement?
The Chhatra Dal has been involved from the very beginning of this movement. We have been active partners in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement platform. So far, 49 of our members have lost their lives due to attacks by police and Awami League terrorists during this movement.
4) What are your thoughts on the new government?
An interim government was formed with input from all parties. However, only time will tell how effective it will be. Their primary responsibility is to create a fair and conducive environment for elections. The government's success will be measured by how actively and positively it fulfils this role. Since the 2008 elections, free and fair voting has been a challenge. I hope this government will earn the trust of the youth, as young voters will shape the nation’s future.
5) What’s your take on Asif-Nahid taking responsibility as advisors in the interim government?
Two students have taken on advisory roles in the interim government. We hope they can foster an environment conducive to free and fair elections with everyone’s cooperation.
6) What is your vision for the future of Bangladesh?
For the first time, all student organizations, except the Chhatra League, have united. This unity was spontaneous and demonstrated the power of collective action. Our aspiration is for a politics of equality. We will learn from the mistakes of past regimes. The Chhatra Dal has been at the forefront of this movement, and we are hopeful that, with the support of students, we can build a new, more equitable Bangladesh.