STUDENT AND POLITICS

 One of the most widely-discussed controversies of the day is whether students should take part in politics or not. The root cause this extraordinary state of things lies in the historical background of our struggle for freedom. Both in Bangladesh and India, students inherited a tradition of political activity of having borne the brunt of this sub-continents fight for independence.

Those who favour the participation of students in politics base their stand mainly on four arguments. Firstly, students of to-day being the citizens of tomorrow, it is necessary to give them some training in politics alongside their pursuit of study. This would go to make their education realistic and practical. Secondly, students have both a duty and a right to see that the country is governed well. Thirdly, students being the must selfless section of the population, their participation in politics ensure a better ensures a better service of national interests. It is they alone who can act as the unfailing friend of the people against corrupt and selfish politicians who otherwise are apt to realize their own end at the expense of the nation. Taking all these factors into consideration, they argue that students should be encouraged to take interest in politics.

Those who disfavour student-politics advance two arguments in the main. Firstly, politics being serious and exciting occupation is antithetic to the pursuit of study which requires coolness of mind. The two can never be done together without the former gradually absorbing the latter entirely. Secondly, to do politics in modern society, faced with complex national and international problems, is a hard job and calls for enough of experience and sagacity, tolerance and patience. It needs cool judgment, dispassionate approach to problems and tactful handing of complicated situations. All these and other virtues that make a true politician came with age and are hardly to be found in the youth, much less teen-aged students.

Both the views are vitiated by extremism. While there is not denial that the participation of students in politics may bear some to them and the society, the possibility of ultimate loss to both cannot be overlooked. It is also important to note that students may hardly remain impartial enough to check corrupt politicians and protect popular interests. More often then not, they have been found to be swept off by the tide off by the tide of catchy slogans raised by political parties. In that case, they only strengthen the hands of politicians for exploiting the masses with greater success.   

ILLITERACY

Illiteracy means inability to read and write. Illiteracy is a cure because it is illiteracy that lowers down human being to the level of beast. Illiteracy is compared to darkness because it darkens individual s vision, outlook, behavior and in a word, all aspects of life. It is the root cause of ignorance, superstition, backwardness, poverty and many more.

Poverty is the main cause of illiteracy and vice versa. Similarly, underdevelopment causes illiteracy is the cause of underdevelopment. The are other causes too. Over population, financial and resource constraints, people s superstition and negative attitude about education, lack of awareness etc, are responsible for illiteracy.

Illiteracy generates hundreds of problems. Because of illiteracy people do not know how to earn well and how to spend well. As a result they can not come out of their poverty trap. Many do not have knowledge about food and nutrition. So they suffer from various kinds of diseases. In a word illiteracy is the cause of poor socio economic condition, high mortality rate, low life expectancy, child labor and child marriage and high rate of population.

Illiteracy frustrates all developmental programmers of the government. Again in order to improve the poor condition of the illiteracy people, govt. has to spend a huge some of money on different programmers. This affects other sectors and hinders long term development of the country.

Population of a country is termed as its human resources. The educated and skilled manpower of a county is its great asset. But if the people are illiteracy, they become a great burden for the country. Illiterate people cannot contribute much to the social and economic development of the country.     

As illiteracy is the root cause of all evils. It should be the number one agenda of govt. Though govt. has taken various measures like making primary education free and compulsory, girl’s education up to higher secondary level free and the highest allocation for education in our national budget, still the measures are inadequate. Govt. must ensure that the money is being utilized properly and effectively. Govt. need to set up more educational institutions, make reading materials cheap and available, and grantee employment after completing education. Again private sectors, NCOs academician and patrons of learning should come forward to spread the light of education in every house. We have also to make our people aware of the importance of education. Medic can play a great role in this regard.

Reducing of poverty is the most effective way of removing illiteracy from society. So govt. must work in co-ordination with others to fight poverty and increase literacy rate.

The present illiteracy rate is still high in our country. That is why we are lagging behind in all respects then many other nations. If we want to build a happy and prosperous nation, if we want to stand in honor and dignity among the nations of the world, and if we want to develop our living condition, we must remove illiteracy from the country.