In Bangladesh, daily life is now a delicate balance between order and chaos, with university gates serving as the battleground. Recent clashes at Chittagong University left hundreds injured, leading to closures and Section 144 imposition. Engineering students across the country took to the streets demanding recognition and fair career paths, reflecting a broader trend of unrest.
The country is experiencing a shift where defiance has become a learned behavior, following a previous uprising that resulted in significant casualties. The younger generation has realized that institutions only listen when their voices are disruptive, fueled by a large number of disengaged youth and active social media users capable of mobilizing protests.
Drawing parallels to historical events in France, Russia, and Egypt, the current situation in Bangladesh mirrors a pattern of evolving power dynamics between the state and the populace. The youth are not nihilistic but rather seek credibility and procedural justice in governance. The society mobilizes swiftly, while institutions struggle to keep up, leading to a cycle of disruptions and responses.
Experts warn that without effective institutionalization, politics devolves into chaos, with the state’s ability to absorb social energies determining stability. The key lies in establishing clear policing norms, providing tangible gains like paid apprenticeships, and ensuring speedy resolution of issues on campuses. A continuous civic narrative, backed by concrete actions and timelines, can help channel dissent into constructive engagement.
The path forward involves transforming politics into efficient administration, meeting public demands with transparency and accountability. By fostering a culture of keeping promises and engaging stakeholders beyond the government, Bangladesh can move towards a more stable and responsive governance model, where the power of the street is balanced by the power of dialogue and action.