Politically motivated strikes disrupt universities

Students and guardians fear that much of the current academic year will be wasted, just as studies were affected in previous years by political conflicts. In particular, general nationwide strikes called after political leaders of the largest Islamic party were sentenced to death over their role in the country’s liberation war in 1971 have halted university classes.

Bangladesh has experienced a five-day stoppage this month, disrupting higher education. Several universities had to postpone both admissions and regular examinations.

The country’s largest Islamic party, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, called the strike in protest against the verdict of a special tribunal trying crimes during Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971.

Jamaat’s entire top leadership have been accused, and its chief Motiur Rahman Nizami – a former cabinet minister – was handed the death sentence on 29 October for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 war. Another party member Mir Quasem Ali was handed a death sentence on the same date.

More strikes could be called as appeal verdicts come through.

In addition, the 20-party opposition alliance led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has hinted that it will agitate in the streets for a fresh national poll. The party did not take part in the elections last January, claiming that the interim government would not hold a neutral poll.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry expressed “deep concern” over the early November nationwide strikes, saying it was affecting businesses and the economy.

The education system was also being disrupted, it said, adding that “the trouble the strikes were causing to ongoing exams at all schools, colleges and universities was totally unacceptable”.

'Session jam'

Munaz Ahmed Noor, pro vice-chancellor of National University, told University World News that several of its examinations had been rescheduled. “This will affect our overall academic calendar. If we do not conduct examinations on time, session jam will certainly increase,” he said.

Session jam is a term common in Bangladesh for lengthy university closures that lead to delays in graduating students.

Previously, university admission examinations were delayed because of strikes and widespread violence by parties disputing the national poll held on 5 January 2014. Many universities postponed the start of the academic session to a later date as they could not conduct the admissions test on time.

“Academic activities of schools, colleges and universities are affected [by the political situation] and it is not possible to make up the losses,” said Serajul Islam Choudhury, a professor emeritus at Dhaka University. He said there needed to be “consensus among politicians” to end the disruption.

“Strike is a democratic right for politicians but in Bangladesh it is often misused,” Choudhury said, adding that both the government and opposition parties were responsible for the situation. “Government should ensure a space for opposition voices and opposition parties should not misuse their democratic right.”

National University student Shukanta Chakrabarty said several examinations had been postponed because of last week’s strike. “Normally we have a session jam and the conflicting politics is increasing the session jam,” he said.

Some universities hold special classes to prevent students from falling behind. “In many cases, classes are held at weekends,” said Rozina Islam, a Dhaka University student. The disruption was becoming an annual problem, he complained.