Activate all universities quickly

The interim government has been in place for over a month, leading to numerous changes across national institutions, including shifts in Directors-General and vice-chancellors at universities. However, many of the country's government universities have yet to return to normal operations. Of the 55 autonomous and government universities in Bangladesh, 28 are currently operating without a vice-chancellor, which is disrupting their administrative and academic activities.

As reported by the media on September 14, a total of 38 government university vice-chancellors resigned after August 5. Of these, 10 new vice-chancellors have been appointed. Consequently, 28 universities are still operating without a vice-chancellor. According to the Ministry of Education, new appointments have been made in some universities, including Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Rajshahi University, during the first week of September. Additionally, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology and Bangladesh Open University appointed new vice-chancellors on September 12. Among the four autonomous universities, only Chittagong University remains without a newly appointed vice-chancellor.

In universities where new Vice-Chancellors have been appointed, activities are beginning to normalize. Classes and examinations have resumed fully at four universities, and online classes are ongoing at two others. However, three universities are still experiencing stagnation. If this situation isn't addressed promptly, students may face significant challenges in pursuing their higher education. Many students have already endured trauma during recent mass movements, and the lack of regular classes and interactions only exacerbates their difficulties. It is crucial for all universities to return to a stable and functional environment as soon as possible.

Moreover, simply restarting classes and appointing new Vice-Chancellors is not enough. Structural changes within the universities are also necessary. Professor Mohammad Kaikobad of BUET highlighted this point, stating, "While the new administration may be operating within the old structure, changes should be implemented gradually. It is easy to dismantle a system but challenging to rebuild it. Now is the time to develop new methods. While the losses of the past may be recovered in a few months, the universities need time to establish a dynamic and timely structure."

We advocate for reducing government authority over universities, increasing research funding, and ensuring that university halls remain free from politics. Universities should be open environments where narrow-mindedness has no place, serving as gateways to knowledge and global perspectives.