If the state interferes with the university, or if any political party and its student wing exert influence, it becomes challenging to implement initiatives, experts said.
The experts made the comment during a discussion program titled “How Do You Want Dhaka University?” held at the RC Majumdar Auditorium of Dhaka University on Wednesday, aimed at identifying the causes of the current crisis and possible solutions.
The event was organized by “Siren”, a quarterly literary magazine run by Dhaka University students.
Writer, Professor Salimullah Khan, Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam, Dhaka University Sociology Department Associate Professor Samina Luthfa, and writer Tuhin Khan were present at the event.
At the beginning of the program, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the workers killed in Ashulia and the victims of the July mass uprising.
Following this, Sakir Hossain Efaz, a student of the history department at Dhaka University, presented the concept paper on behalf of Siren, while Spandon Tahsan read out the proposal.
During the seminar, the speakers called for reducing the University Grants Commission's (UGC) control over the university, limiting the power of the chancellor and vice-chancellor, and granting greater autonomy to the institution.
They also called for an increase in the power of the university’s academic council. They advocated for reasonable reforms, rather than banning student politics.
Additionally, they urged for the speedy trial of incidents of mob violence and killings across the country.
Mohammad Azam said the standard of universities in Bangladesh has gone down.
During the previous government's tenure, several initiatives were introduced to enhance the university's quality. However, state pressure complicates their implementation, he said.
Azam added that this was the first time since independence that multiple positive initiatives can be implemented at once. If the DUCSU election is included in the calendar and students can vacate the halls promptly after their master's classes, significant changes could occur within days.
Salimullah Khan emphasized the importance of allowing all thoughts to flourish and be expressed regarding the university.
Khan compared the past and present states of Dhaka University, and said: "To determine what kind of Dhaka University we want, we must understand its current state and how it has evolved over time."
Associate Professor Samina Luthfa stressed that the university should reflect the realities of Bangladesh, fostering a comfortable and inclusive environment for all students. She advocated for discussions that incorporate the perspectives of working individuals within the university context.
Writer Tuhin Khan also contributed to the discussion, which was moderated by student Salsabil Binte Salam. Mozammel Haque, the editor of Siren, delivered the closing remarks.