Samina Luthfa

The role of intellectuals in society has been extensively examined from  both western and southern experiences, often categorising them based on their application of knowledge.

Dr Samina Luthfa, associate professor at the Department of Sociology in Dhaka University, talks about the recent controversy surrounding Shilpakala Academy and the theatre scene in Bangladesh with Monorom Polok of The Daily Star.

To make universities more autonomous, rules and regulations must be revised so that sectarian and partisan politics are not allowed to take over. This applies first to teachers and then to students. Teachers and students need to be aware of the importance of democratic practices, but this does not mean they should be used for political purposes. Universities must focus on the smooth functioning of education and the betterment of the country, rather than serving as a platform for political parties.

The responsibility for this bloodshed cannot be avoided by either the government or the university authorities.

The youth, usually part of families, find themselves disproportionately affected by the rising tide of depression.

On April 24, 2013, the collapse of Rana Plaza—a building that housed seven garment factories in Savar—killed at least 1,176 people.