Teachers at universities and colleges are not yet interested in reopening campuses for academic activities and have proposed online classes.
During a meeting on Monday with the vice-chancellors (VCs) of private universities and the principals of colleges under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), teachers conveyed this perspective. The meeting was organized by the DNCC authorities to gather necessary views and suggestions from the teachers to present to the Prime Minister as a recommendation.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel said on Monday that that the situation is not yet conducive to reopen educational institutions.
Prof Dr Shams Rahman, vice-chancellor of East West University (EWU), outlined strategies to address current challenges facing the university.
He emphasized the need for improved connectivity between students, the university, and the state.
Dr Rahman suggested that the focus should be on strengthening these connections to overcome existing issues.
"We have already initiated efforts to enhance our engagement with students," he said, highlighting the university's commitment to fostering better communication and collaboration.
Shamim Ara Hassan, VC of Sonargaon University, echoed the statement of the East West University VC, emphasizing focus on connectivity with students.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of Prime University Prof Dr Engr Md Humaun Kabir, addressed the escalating quota movement protests, suggesting that a high-profile team must be assembled to thoroughly investigate the underlying issues.
He said understanding the exact reasons behind the widespread dissatisfaction is crucial for developing effective solutions and mitigating the ongoing unrest. He also mentioned that universities can be innovative powerhouses and that students' innovative ideas can generate substantial foreign exchange revenue, emphasizing the need to support student innovation.
Prof Dr M Lutfar Rahman, VC of Daffodil International University, claimed that no student from his institution was involved in the movement. However, he demanded the launch of online classes.
He suggested that it is possible to return students to the classroom gradually and create a normal environment, with the proctorial body remaining active to prevent instability.
Prof Dr M Azizur Rahman proposed that online classes be implemented as they were during the Covid-19 pandemic. He argued that starting online classes and then resuming in-person classes after understanding the students' motives would restore confidence in teachers, mitigate anger, and motivate students.
Eaysmin Ara Lekha, vice-chancellor of Uttara University, echoed Prof. Azizur Rahman's statement.
Prof Dr HM Jahirul Haque, VC of the Canadian University of Bangladesh (CUB), also emphasized launching online classes and boosting connectivity with students, mentioning that they are contacting students through SMS.
Shahjahan Khan, VC of the Asian University of Bangladesh, said that it is crucial to make students understand that not attending classes will ultimately harm their academic life. He stressed the importance of ensuring student security on campus and creating significant opportunities for students to deter them from pursuing civil jobs.
Prof Dr Md Shah-E-Alam, VC of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology (SMUCT), said that it is essential to sit with students and listen to them to solve their problems and empathize with their losses.
Tanweer Hasan, Vice-Chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), emphasized the need for professional counseling to help students cope with the trauma.
Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), emphasized acknowledging student concerns.
He suggested three steps: ensuring medical treatment, legal assistance, and financial support to reduce student anger.
Mashiur Rahman, principal of Banani Vidyaniketan, said: "We did not pay attention to the concerns and words of the students during the quota movement. As a result, an undesirable situation has arisen."
Prof Atiqul Islam, VC of North South University, noted that the matter did not easily turn into a movement and that a third party might be involved.
He stressed the need for mobile data and broadband access to connect with students and bring them back to class but did not suggest opening the campus now. He warned that if even 2% of the students support the movement, reopening campuses could reignite the unrest.
Prof Imran Rahman, vice-chancellor of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), suggested reopening Facebook because many students are involved in earning money through it.
However, a teacher from Imperial College mentioned that a student from his college died, one was injured with a bullet, and another was injured. He recommended motivating and counselling all students, and proposed permanently closing Facebook.
Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB) President Sheikh Kabir Hossain said: "We are considering going door to door to inquire about the families of the victims of the movement and provide financial assistance if needed. For this reason, we have called to make a list of those killed and injured in each private university. If necessary, an apology can also be sought from the families of the slain students."
After the meeting, DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam said: "I have taken information about the victims from the VCs and principals of the universities and colleges, and I will stand by them. I will go to the victims."
"Our dearest young students are the most affected in the current situation. Suggestions on what can be done to ensure a fair environment for students' education have been taken and will be sent to the Prime Minister's Office by Tuesday," the mayor said.
Mentioning the 12 suggestions received, he said: "Stand by the affected students, especially those who have been killed and injured. Sympathize with the family members of the deceased students. Start online classes quickly. Involve students more in cultural activities and sports. Inform students about alternative careers besides BCS government jobs. Encourage entrepreneurship.
“Provide medical, legal, and financial assistance to affected students. Provide counseling to remove student grievances. Investigate the causes of the incident through research. Enhance relationships between teachers, students, and parents. Strengthen connections between teachers, students, politicians, and government policymakers. Foster patriotism among students. Open primary, secondary, and higher education institutions in stages and offer encouraging and inspiring words to students instead of harsh words."
Among others, APUB Secretary General Dr Kazi Anis Ahmed and other officials were present at the meeting.