Eliminate the deadlock in university education

Educational institutions were indefinitely closed from July 17 due to student protests demanding job quota reforms. The situation escalated, leading to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 amid widespread student unrest. Following the government's collapse, calls for the resignation of top university officials, including vice-chancellors, intensified. This pressure also extended to schools and colleges, resulting in the resignation of some heads of educational institutions. The power shift has significantly disrupted educational programs.

A month has passed since the interim government took office, and progress is being made to resolve the stagnation in primary and secondary education. However, the situation in universities remains challenging. According to a newspaper report on September 8, appointments for vice-chancellors have commenced, with new vice-chancellors already appointed at eight universities, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Jahangirnagar. The Ministry of Education and the universities are optimistic that these appointments will help alleviate the disruption in higher education and restore normalcy.

Nevertheless, appointing qualified vice-chancellors remains a significant challenge for the Ministry of Education, impacting the pace at which the higher education sector can fully recover and regain its momentum.

The extended closure of universities for almost two months has raised significant concerns among students and educators alike. The ongoing break in educational activities has left many wondering how to utilize this time effectively. According to university sources, administrative and academic processes are stalled in institutions that have yet to appoint vice-chancellors. Additionally, the current situation has created an atmosphere of apprehension among faculty members, with some fearing to attend classes. There have even been reports of threats against those who refuse to resign from their positions. For instance, while the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Open University resigned, Treasurer Professor Mustafa Azad Kamal has not, citing pressure from a faction within the university.

If universities do not resume full operations soon, it will not only impact the education system but also have repercussions for the political climate. Students, who are increasingly engaging in various political activities, might become politically exploited rather than merely politically aware. The delay in resuming academic activities could lead to difficulties in concentrating on studies if and when universities reopen. Additionally, there are concerns about how the disruption will affect exam schedules and result publication, potentially leading to criticism if exams are canceled or results are published without proper assessments.

Currently, Bangladesh has 55 universities, including four autonomous and 51 government institutions. These universities, along with their affiliated colleges, serve approximately 44 lakh students. It is crucial to resume full operations at these universities as soon as possible to address the growing crisis faced by students due to the prolonged educational disruption. The longer the delay in reopening and normalizing university activities, the more significant the impact on students' education and overall academic progress will be.