Mizzima
The attendance of military leader Min Aung Hlaing at a graduation ceremony at Yangon University on 5 February sparked widespread discussion on social media. Many users questioned the symbolism of hosting a high-profile academic event under heavy security, especially amid disruptions, surveillance, and restrictions at universities across the country.
Public sentiment online is largely critical and sarcastic. Users contrasted the formal graduation ceremony with the broader reality faced by students who have been arrested, displaced, or forced to suspend their studies since the coup. Some described the event as a staged image-building exercise rather than a genuine celebration of education.
Common comments from users include:
– “A graduation under fear is not a celebration.”
– “Universities are militarized, but they show smiles on stage.”
– “Education is used as a photo opportunity.”
Some users also noted that Yangon University, once a symbol of student resistance, is now being used to project control and legitimacy. Overall, the event has become a prominent topic of discussion last week, reflecting public anger over the disconnect between official ceremonies and the lived reality of students and academic freedom in Myanmar.
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