STUDENT power, often seen as the untapped potential within educational institutions, has historically been a force of significant social change. This power, wielded by young minds full of idealism, energy and a desire to reshape the world, has played a crucial role in numerous political, social and cultural movements across the globe. We can also see how far this power the students bear with them from different histories where they played a significant role to change, to reshape and to reconstruct the society, politics and culture. The recent peaceful quota reform movement of students that began in June 2024 in response to the High Court reinstating a 30 per cent quota for descendants of freedom fighters was forced into violence by attacks by Awami League fronts and the police. The movement ultimately resulted in the toppling of autocratic government, manifesting the power of students.
We can see the student power in different histories. The Velvet Revolution, which took place in Czechoslovakia in 1989, was a peaceful uprising that led to the end of 41 years of Communist rule in the country. Students played a pivotal role in this revolution, mobilising large segments of the population and organising protests that would ultimately lead to significant political change. From the civil rights marches of the 1960s to the climate strikes of recent years, students have proven time and again that they are not just passive recipients of education but active agents of change.
Likewise, student power was seen in the Language Movement in 1952. In 1948, when the government of Pakistan declared Urdu as the sole national language, students and intellectuals in the then-East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) began protesting against this decision. The movement reached its peak on February 21, 1952, when police opened fire on students who were peacefully demonstrating in Dhaka, leading to the deaths of several students. However, students won and established Bengali as the state language.
In many countries, student movements have been the catalyst for significant reforms. The anti-apartheid movements in South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s, the pro-democracy demonstrations in Tiananmen Square in 1989, and the more recent push for gun control in the United States in 2018 all underscore the power students hold when they unite behind a cause. These movements, driven by the passion and determination of young people, have often faced significant opposition, yet they persist, knowing that their actions can ripple outwards and effect real change. The peaceful student quota reform movement also faced brutal responses from the autocratic Hasina government. The government used its own activists, police, BGB and other special forces and killed, inured and arrested the students. But indomitable student power revolted, resisted and raged down the 15-year-autocratic government.
For various reasons, students repeatedly become successful. Their youth serves as their strength while unity, unwavering aspirations and courage propel them forward. In this digital age, Gen Z is particularly adept. This digital age has also further amplified student power. Social media platforms provide a space where students can organise, share information, and mobilise quickly. To hide the massacre and what they did and to disrupt the student movement, the ex-autocratic government disconnected the internet. But this tactic did not bring any good result at all. Students continued their communication using VPNs. They were united and resolute. With their hashtags and unique slogans, they upheld their demands and created viral contents that captured both national and international attention.
The power of students has shattered the arrogance of the autocratic regime. Students are not wasting time; they continue their movement with a focus on reforming a corrupted society and institutions and striving for a livable country. They embody a collective consciousness aimed at challenging the status quo, driving societal reform, creating accountability, and shaping policies that will impact not only their future but the future of society as a whole. Students, by virtue of their unique perspective, often see issues through a lens unclouded by the cynicism that can accompany age and experience.
As students continue to push for change, it is essential for society to recognise and support their efforts. Educational institutions, governments and communities should create spaces for student voices to be heard and taken seriously. By fostering an environment where students feel empowered to speak out, we not only honour the legacy of past movements but also ensure that the next generation is equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
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Amir Mohammed Khosru is a banker and columnist.