Radicalism growing among univ students!
Influence of radicalisation on university students are visible in their clothing, manner of conversation, and celebration of different national days, a group of Dhaka Univesity (DU) researchers have observed.
They say the youth have grievances about the way the state is being run since, the new generation people think, no rule nor any system works in the country at present.
In a recent study, three DU teachers have found, the youth cannot believe they will get jobs on completion of their formal education if they follow the path of honesty.
Thus, the three conclude, such a state of confusion is pushing them towards extremism.
Their study report styled ‘Bangladesh: Facing Challenges of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism’ was presented at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban (building) on the DU campus on Friday.
Imtiaz Ahmed, Amena Mohsin and Delwar Hossain -- all professors at DU’s international relations (IR) department - - conducted the study.
It was based on interviews with students of Rajshahi University, Jahangirnagar University, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, North South University, and Manarat International University.
Amena Mohsin said they found an increase in the use of Arabic words among university students in their greetings, bidding farewells, and everyday activities.
Rise in use of hijab and niqab by female students is noticed and the trend of wearing trousers above the ankles by the boys is on rise, she added.
She said some students possess dissenting views on observing various national days. Some of them consider ‘Mongol Shova Jatra’, a colourful rally brought out to celebrate the first day of Bangla new year, Pahela Baishakh, as Hindu culture.
She quoted a student as saying that Mughal emperor Akbar, who introduced Pahela Baishakh, was not a Muslim proper; rather, he was the founder of a new religion, Din-e-Ilahi.
"I think social media networks have a huge influence on the youths' minds and they can easily be radicalised," said Amena Mohsin.
A student, who spends up to 13 hours a day on social networking sites, can easily become a target of the extremists, she said. She cited example that New York terror suspect Akayed Ullah was supposed to be radicalised by the social media.
The study report made five recommendations including giving no political colour to militant activities, creating counter-narratives to face extremist narratives, and translating religious books in Bangla.
Journalist Afsan Chowdhury said the social media sites are not at faults for such a reality. "Those who are using the social networks and how they are using them is a matter of concern," he added.