After the overthrow of the Awami League-led government through a mass uprising of students, Bangladesh's new interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, has announced that all educational institutions—schools, colleges, and universities—will reopen on Sunday.
Primary schools have been ordered to resume operations fully. Besides, the postponed HSC and equivalent exams are set to start on September 11 under the new schedule.
This decision comes after a month-long closure due to nationwide unrest and the subsequent resignation of Sheikh Hasina.
The closure of educational institutions was initially a response to the student movement centred on quota reform.
The movement escalated, leading to widespread protests that impacted the education sector.
With the educational sector in turmoil, the interim government faces a tough path ahead.
The resignation of several university vice-chancellors and college principals has added to the challenges in managing educational institutions.
Additionally, the interim government must address the students' demands, including the banning of student politics and overhauling the educational system.
Demand for ban on student politics on campuses
Students from several universities and graduate colleges have demanded a ban on student and teacher politics to ensure academic excellence.
They argue that, for so long, the relationship between students, teachers, student-teacher relationship and other employees in educational institutions had become toxic in the name of teacher and student politics.
Every time after the change of government, the ruling party and their student wings, supporters, activists have oppressed, tortured and even killed ordinary students.
Every time the ordinary students were deprived of their moral and logical rights, they pointed.
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) had previously banned student politics.
Currently, half a dozen institutions, including Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), have banned politics for students, teachers, and staff.
Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) has prohibited all political activities on campus, including those by students, teachers, officers, and employees.
Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) has similarly banned all forms of political activities, including those involving teachers and students.
Student and teacher politics also has been banned in Rangpur Medical College, Jagannath University, Barisal University and Rajshahi University.
While asked about ban politics at campus, Rajshahi University's Professor Jahangir Hossain said: “We took these steps to maintain a productive academic environment on campus. Among the measures are restricting residence to only valid students and banning political processions and meetings within the dormitories.”
Recently, Masud Rana, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, emphasized the students' demand for a campus free of political influence.
He further noted that the student's primary request to the next administration would be the establishment of a student council and the election of student representatives.
Resignation of VCs, Pro-VCs raises new challenge
The resignation of Vice-Chancellors and Pro-Vice-Chancellors appointed by the previous government has caused administrative issues due to delays in appointing their replacements.
Experts have warned that the month-long closure has harmed education and stressed the need to quickly restore normalcy by filling vacant positions with qualified, non-political appointees.
They have also warned that the reopening of institutions is just the beginning of a broader challenge.
The education sector, already weakened by the pandemic and mismanagement under the previous government, requires urgent reforms, pointed out the experts.
Immediate priorities include restoring a supportive academic environment, addressing gaps caused by recent disruptions, and implementing a revised curriculum with properly trained teachers.
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry Of Education sources, so far 20 vice-chancellors and 12 pro-vice chancellors have already resigned; the authority grants 16 vacant posts out of the posts.
Vice-chancellors of Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), and Jahangirnagar University are among the VCs who have resigned.
Moreover, the new administration has announced that the postponed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams will begin on September 11, marking a crucial step in returning to academic normalcy.
Regarding the current situation in the education sector, educationist Rasheda K Chowdhury said the interim government must navigate these challenges carefully to restore stability and ensure the continuation of education in the country.
She emphasized that the top priority is to ensure student attendance in classrooms and restore academic normalcy.
She added that all internal and board exams will be completed in a step-by-step manner so that students do not face huge academic loss.
