Recently, Brac University (BRACU), one of the top ranked private universities in Bangladesh, announced that it would be changing its name by inserting the name of its founder. According to reports in certain prominent daily newspapers, the university has already requested permission from the University Grants Commission to change its name to Sir Fazle Hasan Abed University (shortly as Abed University).
The board of trustees decided to make this choice out of respect for the organization's founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, but they did not consider that it could also bring dishonour upon his name.
On a different note, throughout the university's 22-year history, thousands of students have used the term “BracU” on their certificates, resumes, academic papers, etc. Additionally, administrative officers and professors have also used the name BracU in their publications, research projects, and places of employment as part of their professions which will be affected after name change.
If the name is changed, certificates that have been issued by Brac University will be in doubt. Students from Brac University are working in a variety of vocations all across the world. Therefore, past students would suffer if the university changed its name. When I respond to a question about my university after 20 years, the questioner will follow up with more inquiries because Brac University was then gone from the face of the earth.
Numerous research projects have been carried out by faculty members and students under the name of Brac University. Numerous major platforms have published the work of these researchers. However, if the university's name changes, these published works cannot be changed retroactively. As a result, the author will likewise encounter various issues.
During the brief period of this university's existence, it has also produced research at the national level. For instance, a few years ago, the law department collaborated with the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs on the discriminatory laws that were in place in Bangladesh from 1984 to 2005 in order to comply with Sustainable Development Goal 16b. Under the name Brac University, the School of Engineering launched the nation's first nanosatellite, Onnesha, from Bangladesh.
All of these positive developments, which students and instructors have worked so hard to accomplish, shouldn't be wiped out by arbitrary decisions. Even if the university guarantees that students will receive a confirmation certificate verifying that BracU is now Abed University, who would then foot the bill for the trouble the students will experience?
BracU was established by Sir Fazle Hasan Abed KCMG as part of his ambitious nature. The university's founder did not wish to start the institution under his own name. In addition to this institute, he also founded the largest NGO in the world, Brac, as well as other well-known institutions. None of the institutes are named in his own moniker, though people recall Sir Abed while addressing any of such institutes. It is so abundantly obvious that the founder's purpose was not to promote himself through the name of the organization but through the work done.
Every BracU student is aware of Sir Abed's involvement in the creation of Brac. Most of them do not want to change their university's name to supposedly respect the founder since they already have immense respect for him. Teachers and students remember this legend with admiration. We use Sir before Sir Abed's name since he was bestowed with the knighthood.
Since the founder himself did not establish the university in his name to begin with, changing the name can be seen as a sign of vague disrespect instead.
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed will be remembered for all he has achieved in both his lifetime and beyond. In 1972, while the country was still reeling from a devastating war for independence, it was difficult to launch any organizations here. His legacy already lies in his achievement, therefore adding his name to an institute in order to maintain his respect is unnecessary.
BracU's Board of Trustees should refrain from making any decisions which have the potential to blow back on their students and faculty members. It might also have an impact on the parties that BracU has agreements with.
Brac University has established a remarkable reputation over the years, embodying excellence in education, research, and innovation. The name carries significant historical, academic, and cultural value, serving as a testament to the university's and its founder's legacy. It has become an emblem of pride and identity for its students, faculty, and alumni, both domestically and internationally.
By preserving its name, Brac University would be demonstrating a resolute dedication to maintaining its position as a paragon of academic excellence, while embracing the future with open arms.
MarufUl Abed is an Advocate and Alumni of BRAC University.
