The recent proposal to introduce universal military conscription for Bangladeshi youth has sparked an intense national debate. Proponents argue that it would bolster national security and instill discipline among the country’s young population, while critics warn of economic burdens and potential limitations on personal freedoms.

However, when examined through the lens of political philosophy, the idea finds strong justification in the works of thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Niccolò Machiavelli, and Aristotle, who emphasized the role of military service in fostering civic virtue, national unity, and strategic preparedness.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, in The Social Contract, advocated for a citizen militia rather than a professional standing army. He argued that true freedom comes not from passive citizenship but from active participation in the defense of the state. In his view, an overreliance on professional soldiers leads to corruption and a disconnect between the people and their government. Military training for all citizens, he believed, would cultivate........

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