The New Nation - Internet Edition

SOME departments of Dhaka University recently set a condition that students who did not appear for 200 marks each for Bangla and English in their higher secondary or equivalent courses would not be allowed to sit for admission tests. As the courses in the subjects at Aleem level carry only 100 marks each, students with madrasah background would thus be ineligible for admission tests. A group of students protested against the move and demanded its withdrawal.

The Arts Faculty Dean of DU reportedly expressed his resentment terming the move a violation of university rules. Such a decision is unethical and goes against established principles. It goes against the basic principle of equality of citizens and violates every citizen's right to education provided for in the Constitution. Students with Madrasah background should not be punished like this. Rather, if madrasah students own DU as their highest seat of learning too its stature remains bigger. Students are admitted to the university on the basis of merit. Other than merit there can be no earthly reason behind squeezing DU's doors.

Renowned DU scholars like Dr Ahmed Sharif and Dr Enamul Huq had come from madrasah background. Bangladesh is now passing through a critical time with elections at the top of the national agenda. It is a time when the national economy is at risk of being affected by global economic recession. Any unrest created at such a critical juncture is likely to weaken national unity and give rise to chaos, which should be avoided. Education in the public sector again is not business-oriented. It is hoped that good sense will prevail and attempts made to distance DU from a segment of the populace should be stopped in the interest of preserving its greatness.