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Published : 22 Sep 2024, 01:51 PM
Dhaka University has returned to regular academic activities after nearly three-and-a-half months.
Class schedules have been issued for the different faculties and departments at the university.
On Jun 2, the university went on its summer hiatus and Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Afterwards, academic activities were paused due to protests against a new pension scheme by university teachers and staff. From Jul 1, the university teachers and staff conducted a work stoppage though classes were scheduled.
Then came the student-led quota reform movement. From Jul 7, the students boycotted classes to demand quota reforms.
Though the university workers called off their pension protests on Aug 4 once their demands were accepted, students refused to call off their protests which transformed into an anti-government movement after the loss of hundreds of lives amid violence.
Under the circumstances, the university was unable to resume regular classes.
On Aug 5, in the face of the student-led mass uprising, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina resigned her premiership and fled to India. Following that, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal resigned.
On Aug 27, Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, the head of the Department of Development Studies, was appointed as the university’s vice chancellor. After his appointment, Khan spoke to stakeholders in the university’s calls, departments, heads of office, and social and cultural groups. At an emergency meeting of the university’s syndicate on Sept 13, a date for the resuming of classes was set.
STUDENTS HAVE MIXED RESPONSE TO RESUMPTION OF CLASSES
Rizia Parvin, a student of the university’s Department of Biochemistry said: “After overcoming all obstacles, we have come to the campus in a free environment. I had a class. It feels good.”
Mahmudul Hasan Shamim, a student in the Department of Japanese, said there is a feeling of happiness after seeing the new atmosphere at the university and the new distribution of seats after the fall of the government.
Fourth-year and Master’s students had been put under pressure when the university closed, he said.
Many departments held classes while others were in the process of restarting them. Hopefully, classes will return to normal and the campus will once again be back to its usual vibrancy, Shamim said.
Maisha Maliha, a Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall resident and student in the Department of Mass Communication and Media, said:
“Our classes will start at the university from tomorrow. The VC sir said his main job is to restart academic activities at the university. Of course, we should resume academic activities as soon as possible. However, the situation is still unstable in the university’s halls and departments.”
"Many non-resident female students, including first years, are demanding seats in the halls. If classes start without allocating seats as per their demand, they will face an accommodation crisis. Until the demands for the removal of 'Neel Dal' [pro-Awami League] teachers in various departments are settled or resolved, it will be difficult to normalise the student-teacher relationships and resume academic activities at full pace."
But she also thinks that the administration should be allowed to work at its own pace.
Tashahud Ahmed Rafim, a resident of Surja Sen Hall from the same department, said: "I was eagerly waiting for the start of classes. It is important to continue studying to think clearly in a country of protests and struggle.
"Moreover, even though classes have started in private universities, we are late. Since the July Revolution, we have been mentally distracted. It's important to get busy to get out of that state."
The final examinations were to be held immediately after the holidays by the University's Department of Communication Disorders. The suspended exam is finally being held on Sunday.
Saidur Brahman Shahid, a third-year student of the department, said: "Our exam was supposed to be held after the holidays. It was delayed due to the protests. Now our fifth semester final exam is starting on the first day of the university’s reopening."
Meanwhile, students had to face the traffic congestion on the road in the morning. Even so, most say they feel relieved as they return to class.
Junayed Ahmed, a student of the Department of History, said. "Heavy traffic jams in the morning, and the weather is hot. Still, there is a peace of mind that we were able to attend class.”
University Vice-Chancellor Khan said, "Classes have resumed at DU after 112 days in a new Bangladesh. There are big challenges ahead. There are plans to fill the class gaps. Conflicts have arisen in various areas. Work is underway to resolve them.”
The vice-chancellor asks for everyone's cooperation in this regard. He said that teachers and students have gone through terrible emotional trauma.
He hopes they will be able to overcome them and the university will begin to run smoothly.
