Every new year brings fresh challenges for students, along with a renewed determination to rediscover life and purpose. Educational institutions—particularly college and university campuses—play a vital role in shaping this journey of discovery.
A campus is not merely a collection of buildings; it is a living space where thousands of students grow with their dreams, hopes, expectations, and new experiences.
Unfortunately, recently, a wide gap has emerged between students’ aspirations and the realities on many college and university campuses. This gap has negatively impacted the development of a knowledgeable, capable, and skilled generation. Insecurity, undue political influence, harassment, bullying, and practices such as ragging have often undermined the academic environment and hindered students’ personal growth.
To overcome this crisis, it is essential to urgently ensure an inclusive and supportive learning environment on campuses. Such an environment must prioritise personal development, free thinking, and mental well-being. Campuses should be free from political interference, harassment, and ragging, fostering a healthy, humane, and respectful atmosphere.
In the new year, the expectation is that colleges and universities will once again emerge as true centres of learning and democratic practice—safe spaces where students can freely express their thoughts, nurture their potential, and engage in humane values.
Building such campuses is a pressing demand of the time for a just, democratic, and humane state system.
Sohel Imran
Student, Department of Economics, Cox’s Bazar Government College
