DU teachers’ community proposes major reforms of system 

The University Teachers' Community, a newly formed teachers' organisation at Dhaka University, on Monday, proposed getting rid of bureaucratic practices and procrastination by decentralising the power of the university administration.

The organisation published the proposal at a programme titled 'Reform of Dhaka University Education System' at Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of DU. 

The organisation also outlined the election of different governing committees and vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors, senate and syndicate members, deans, provosts, and proctors to ensure accountability of the power structure.

The meeting adopted a preliminary proposal to start classes in the last week of September. The matter will be finalised in the syndicate meeting in the future.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan sought cooperation from all stakeholders, including teachers and students, in this regard. 

The teachers' organisation presented several proposals for Dhaka University reforms in two parts titled 'Education-Thought-Our Proposal' and 'Restructuring of Administration and Power Structure'. 

The proposals include introducing an analytical and intelligence-based admission test system by changing the admission test system, bringing down the ratio of students to at least 40 against a teacher, keeping admission in departments not related to market demand to 40, paying at least Tk 50,000 monthly salary to PhD students, and arranging part-time jobs and loans for students.

It has also been proposed to adopt a two-step approach to the appointment of teachers. First, make a shortlist of academic committees considering higher degrees, and then conduct dialogues and question answers with students and interviews with the recruitment board. The proposal also proposed decentralisation of university space and population, and cancellation of the affiliation of seven colleges with Dhaka University.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan said the university is the institution of society in the final judgment. Everyone has equal rights here. As a result, the university will run the way they want.

Economics department Professor Selim Raihan mentioned, "Not only the teachers, but also the students' stake is important in the university. The reform of the state is linked to the reform of the university. If the state is not reformed, there is a danger of everything coming back.

Umama Fatema, coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, said Dhaka University has what it takes to become a university. However, due to politics, Dhaka University has become a certificate-centric institution in the last few years.

Dr Shahman Moishan, Dr Khorshed Alam, Dr Abdullah Al Mamun and Professor Jobaida Nasrin read out the written proposals. Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Coordinator Abdul Kader also spoke on the programme.

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