The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNIVERSITIES have been reopened after a 62-day-long unscheduled closure following the untoward incidents of August 20-22. The halls have been reopened for the students. Classes resumed on the 28th of last month. The stalled examinations are now being held after a lapse of two months. A minor incident at the Dhaka University playground on August 20 flared up into violent agitation and spread to other major public varsities of the country. The incident led to the closure of the universities and suspension of classes and examinations while the residential halls were vacated.

Such a turn of the incident was probably the outcome of a long sequel of extra-academic developments on campus life. The universities produced many scholarly teachers and brilliant students who played important roles at different junctures of the national life. Their roles in the great language movement, movements against autocratic regimes during Pakistan period and the Liberation War of 1971 are parts of a glorious history. But regrettably, the students of these institutions are nowadays too much involved in partisan politics. It is alleged that political parties use them as tools. The trend has developed to such alarming proportions that they are supplied with deadly weapons for internecine clashes.

A section of teachers is also divided on the basis of their political affiliations. The situation is such that, very often, political leanings of the teachers and students surpass their academic interests. Some teachers stay outside the country for years together causing much harm to the educational pursuits of the students. Parents of the students are compelled to bear extra expenses for the extra years of study in the institutions of higher learning. The students lose valuable years before they can qualify for jobs.

Such an anarchy in the institutions of higher education is most unfortunate. It is expected that all concerned quarters will play due roles in maintaining congenial academic atmosphere in the campuses for the greater interests of the nation. The university authorities and a vast majority of the teachers and the students definitely realise the gravity of the situation. The government must also help maintain congenial atmosphere and refrain from resorting to harsh measures in dealing with the affairs of the students. Let the August incidents not leave any permanent scar on the minds of the teachers and the students.