Government Orders Ban on Students’ Participation in Protests and Rallies

Staff Reporter | April 29, 2025

In July-August of last year, students were successfully utilized as accomplices in anti-government protests and violent acts orchestrated by political parties. Since then, the academic environment in most schools, colleges, and universities has increasingly deteriorated, leading to strong criticism from concerned circles.

To address the disorder caused by rallies, protests, and various forms of violence where students are abandoning their studies, including incidents of assault and vandalism, the Yunus government has decided to ban students’ participation in protests and rallies that are unrelated to education.

On Tuesday, April 29, the Ministry of Education issued a directive to the heads of educational institutions across the country.

The notice from the Secondary and Higher Education Department instructs institutional heads to involve students in co-curricular activities to keep them focused on education.

The notice states that students, particularly in Dhaka and other areas, have been taking part in protests, rallies, and meetings on issues unrelated to education. This has disrupted academic activities and caused physical and mental harm to vulnerable students.

Moreover, such unwanted activities have led to concern and anxiety among both students and their parents.

The notice further emphasizes the need to keep students focused on their studies and to engage them in various co-curricular activities. A sample list of such activities has been attached to the notice.

To implement this, the heads of educational institutions must take necessary steps to involve parents and strengthen academic and co-curricular activities in schools.

Former students have expressed shock at this announcement. They believe that the Yunus government, unable to meet the demands of students, has resorted to suppressing their rights. According to them, the government’s move to curb student protests and rallies signals the end of any meaningful student engagement, with the government now seeking to “dispose” of them entirely.