Education, Stability, and the National Interest: Our Collective Responsibility

Mohd Siddiqur Rahman

Mohd Siddiqur Rahman 

Education is the backbone of a nation. The stronger, more modern, and more effective a country's education system is, the brighter, more prosperous, and more secure its future will be. Differences of opinion regarding educational policies and decisions are natural in any democratic society. However, such differences should always be expressed through reasoned arguments, constructive dialogue, and respectful discussion.

Our current Minister of Education is widely regarded as a competent, capable, and experienced individual. During his tenure as the State Minister for Education, he demonstrated remarkable efficiency and achieved notable successes that are well known and acknowledged across the country. For this reason, many people consider the demand for his removal to be unjustified and politically motivated. It is also believed by many that a vested interest group is deliberately attempting to create confusion and spread unrest among the public. The government should therefore remain vigilant against such activities to ensure that no group can mislead innocent and ordinary citizens into creating instability.

Wherever we go, we find that many people express strong opinions on politics and the complex issues of governance. In many instances, some individuals strongly criticize various actions of the government and encourage emotional and inexperienced people—particularly students—to participate in protest movements. Such actions may undermine national stability and damage the image of the government.

During the tenure of Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, demonstrations and street protests took place on various occasions. In many cases, these programs disrupted traffic and caused inconvenience to public life. Instead of resolving national issues through constructive dialogue and cooperation with the appropriate authorities, confrontational programmes may further complicate the situation.

Recently, there have again been discussions in various circles that certain groups are attempting to provoke unrest. Allegations have been made that they are trying to encourage innocent and inexperienced students to protest against the Ministry of Education and its various policies. Freedom of expression is a constitutional right of every citizen. However, using or influencing students for political or any other vested interests is neither desirable nor responsible. The primary role of students should be to pursue knowledge, build strong moral character, and prepare themselves to contribute to the development of the nation.

The government and the relevant authorities should closely monitor the activities of any individuals or groups that may deliberately seek to create instability, disorder, or lawlessness. At the same time, the legitimate concerns and reasonable demands of the public and students should be addressed through dialogue, transparency, and lawful democratic processes. Differences of opinion are a natural feature of a democratic society, but such differences should never become a threat to the national interest, the education system, or social stability.

We firmly believe that meaningful improvements and reforms in the education sector can best be achieved through calm, rational, and constructive discussion. Rather than promoting personal or politically motivated agendas, greater priority should always be given to the broader national interest. We hope that the government will make its decisions based on facts, the welfare of the people, and the best interests of the nation. Through mutual respect, responsible conduct, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law, we can further strengthen our country's peace, stability, and sustainable development.

(Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman is a Former Country Manager, Germany,  Biman Bangladesh Airlines.)