Recent Developments
Following the resignation of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ensuing political unrest, many universities in Bangladesh reopened on August 18, 2024, in response to a government directive. However, full academic activities have yet to resume due to significant administrative challenges.
Administrative Vacancies
The resignation of at least 23 vice-chancellors and 10 pro vice-chancellors, most of whom were associated with the previous government, has left a substantial leadership vacuum. This lack of administrative personnel is impeding the resumption of full academic functions.
Current Status:
- Some universities, including the University of Rajshahi and Dhaka University, have only partially resumed operations with low student attendance.
- The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, faces the task of filling these leadership roles to restore normalcy.
Challenges and Reactions
- Student Demands and Session Jams:
- Students have raised concerns about the punishment of officials who were allegedly indifferent during the protests.
- There are fears of session jams, which could delay graduation times due to the disrupted academic calendar.
- Leadership Appointments:
- The University Grants Commission (UGC) has emphasized the need for prompt appointments to address the administrative void. Former DU Vice-Chancellor Syed Muhammed Abul Faiz and others have stressed the urgency of appointing qualified individuals to these roles.
- Private Universities’ Response:
- In contrast to public universities, private institutions such as North South University and BRAC University have managed to maintain satisfactory student attendance. North South University has announced fee concessions, while BRAC University has extended payment deadlines.
Policy Changes and Campus Politics
- Ban on Campus Politics:
- Several universities, including Dhaka and Rajshahi, have revised dormitory rules and imposed bans on campus politics to prevent violence and ensure stability.
- Campus Rule Revisions:
- Dhaka University has implemented merit-based dormitory allocations to address grievances about political influence in dorm assignments.
Looking Forward
The interim government and university authorities face the dual challenge of restoring full academic functions while addressing leadership gaps and political tensions. Efforts are ongoing to fill vacancies and address student demands to ensure that academic activities resume smoothly and session jams are minimized.
