Suspension of academic activities at educational institutions amid the spread of coronavirus has created fear of session jam at Dhaka University as the prime university of the country is yet to start conducting classes online. Dhaka University students said most of the private universities and several public universities of Bangladesh have begun offering classes online, but the Dhaka University authorities have not taken any plan to this end.
They demanded that the authorities introduce online classes immediately to keep academic activities on track. Mohiuddin Mahi, a third-year student of DU Mass Communication and Journalism department, said, “Other universities have introduced online-based system to continue their academic activities but still our university has no taken any step in this regard.
“If this situation continues, we have to face session jam and our study will be hampered,” he said suggesting that Dhaka University should immediately begin academic activities online. Anik Ahmed, a fourth-year student of sociology department said, “I’m tense over the situation. We don't know how long the present coronavirus situation will last. We’re going to face session jam again.”
Even though the university campus is shut, some public and private university students have been asked to take part in routine classes from their homes so that their study is not hampered. Brac University, United International University, Daffodil International University, American International University Bangladesh, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), South East University, Northern University, Asia Pacific University and Prime Asia University are offering online classes.
Over 40 lakh (4 million) students are studying in public universities and institutions affiliated with them while over 3.5 lakh are now enrolled in 105 private universities in Bangladesh. Sadia Farhana, a third-year student of DU microbiology department said, “At least faculty should provide us some assignments and reading materials to utilise our time. It will reduce extra pressure after this uncertain vacation.”
“Dhaka University is considered the leading university of our country. But when other universities continue their academic activities amid this pandemic situation, our authorities are yet to take any decision to prevent session jam and academic casualties,” she said. When asked, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Akhtaruzzaman told Bangladesh Post, “We’re thinking the possibility of conducting classes online. Most of the departments are able to maintain online-based class system.” “But all departments are not ready yet. We’ll take a decision immediately,” he said.
