Regular academic activities, including classes and examinations, resumed at Dhaka University on Sunday after 112 days, bringing vibrancy back to the campus.
Most departments and institutes began classes at 8:00 am. Class schedules have been issued for different faculties and departments at the university. However, the academic and administrative activities of Institute of Business Administration (IBA) remained postponed as students did take part in classes.
IBA students said that they have some demands. “We can’t make any decision regarding students’ demands due to the absence of our director,” said IBA acting director Shakil Huda.
On June 2, the university went on summer vacation and Eid-ul-Azha holidays. Afterwards, academic activities were suspended due to protests against a new pension scheme by university teachers and staff. Since July 1, the teachers and staff had been observing work abstention.
Then the students launched quota reform movement. Since July 7, they had been boycotting classes to press home their demand.
Although the university workers called off their pension protests on August 4 once their demands were met, 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.
In the face of the student-led movement, Sheikh Hasina stepped down and fled to India on August 5.
Later, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal also resigned his post. On August 27, Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan was appointed as the university’s vice chancellor. At an emergency meeting of the university’s syndicate on September 13, a date for resuming classes was set.
Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan said, “Classes have resumed at DU after 112 days in a new Bangladesh. There are big challenges for us. There are plans to fill the class gaps. Conflicts have arisen in various areas. Work is underway to resolve them.”
The VC sought everyone’s cooperation in this regard. He said that teachers and students have gone through terrible emotional trauma. He hoped they will be able to overcome them and the university will begin to run smoothly.
Students and teachers are happy for resumption of classes. “We are very happy about the resumption of academic activities at our university in a new Bangladesh,” said Dr Hafiz Muztaba Riza Ahmad, professor of Department of Islamic Studies.
Regarding the start of classes, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha said, “Our classes have begun. We along with the Vice Chancellor have visited several faculties to observe the class activities. Earlier at 9:30 am, we observed one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs of the July mass uprising. We will also begin our new academic year’s classes very soon.”
“After overcoming all obstacles, we have come to the campus in a free environment. I had a class. It feels good,” said Rezwan Ahmed, a student of Peace and Conflicts Department.
Riaz Ullah, student of Department of Mass Communication and Journalism; “I am happy to take part in class.”
Jannatul Sultana Rima, a student of Islamic History and Culture Department said, “After a long time, we had four consecutive classes today (Sunday). The long closure has caused concerns, including session jams and other issues. We hope everything will return to normal soon. Additionally, we expect the university administration to take effective steps to resolve session jams.”
Mahmudul Hasan Shamim, a student of Japanese Studies Department, said there is a feeling of happiness after seeing the new atmosphere in the university. 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, he added.
Julfa Akhter, a resident of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall and student of Botany Department, said that she was eagerly waiting for the start of classes. “Our exam was supposed to be held after the holidays. We hope that wow our exam will take place as soon as early,” she said.
However, students had to face traffic congestion on the road in the morning. Even so, most say they feel relieved as they return to classes. “Severe traffic jam in the morning, and the weather is hot. Still, there is a peace of mind that we were able to attend class,” said a student. It can be mentioned that although schools, colleges and madrasas across the country reopened on August 18 after more than a month of closure, the universities could not resume academic activities as there were no VCs, pro-VCs, treasurers and registrars at most of the institutions.
VCs, pro-VCs, treasurers, registrars, proctors and provosts were appointed to many public universities. The universities which have already got VCs, pro-VCs and others are planning to resume academic activities by this month.
