Wednesday, 12 March, 2025
The streets of Dhaka were thrown into turmoil last night as students from Dhaka University (DU) and Dhaka College clashed in a distressing display of violence in the city’s Neelkhet area. This confrontation, sparked by allegations of insults and perceived injustices, has now led to a monumental decision: the cancellation of the seven colleges' affiliation with Dhaka University. While the immediate crisis has been addressed, this episode underscores deeper issues in our educational ecosystem that demand urgent attention.
The affiliation of the seven colleges with DU has been a contentious issue since its inception. Originally aimed at enhancing academic standards and administrative efficiency, the arrangement quickly became a source of friction. Students from the seven colleges often felt sidelined, citing inadequate representation and support from DU’s administration. On the other hand, DU students voiced concerns about resources being stretched too thin, impacting their academic environment.
The tension reached a boiling point on Sunday, following allegations that DU Pro-VC Mamun Ahmed had made derogatory remarks about students from the affiliated colleges. These comments, perceived as inflammatory, ignited outrage among the students, culminating in protests and eventual clashes. The involvement of law enforcement, which reportedly targeted students from the seven colleges, further exacerbated the situation.
In response to the violence, DU authorities announced the termination of the affiliation agreement. No new students will be admitted under this arrangement for the 2024–25 academic session, marking the end of a chapter that began with high hopes but ended in discord. According to Vice Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, this decision was reached after a three-hour meeting with principals of the seven colleges and reflects a consensus to move forward under a new framework.
The clashes between DU and Dhaka College students are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws in our education system. While the decision to sever ties with the seven colleges may bring temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution. Real progress will require a comprehensive overhaul of the policies and practices governing higher education in Bangladesh.
The government’s expert committee will now oversee admission processes for these colleges. While this provides a temporary solution, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. For existing students, DU has assured continued academic services until a new system is in place, but questions about the long-term viability of this arrangement remain.
The cancellation of the affiliation is a regrettable outcome for all parties involved. For DU, it signals a failure to effectively manage an ambitious initiative aimed at expanding its influence. For the seven colleges, it represents a loss of the prestige and resources associated with being under the DU umbrella. Most importantly, for the students, it underscores the fragility of their academic futures in an education system marred by mismanagement and insufficient coordination.
Moreover, this incident has highlighted the disconnect between students and administrative authorities. The demands for disciplinary action against police officers and the removal of the DU Pro-VC illustrate a deep-seated mistrust that cannot be ignored. The clashes were not just about affiliation; they were a manifestation of accumulated grievances that have long gone unaddressed.
The involvement of law enforcement during the clashes has come under scrutiny. Students allege that the police targeted them unfairly, escalating tensions instead of diffusing them. While DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sazzat Ali defended the intervention as necessary to prevent bloodshed, the claims of disproportionate action must be thoroughly investigated. A neutral and transparent inquiry into the conduct of the police is essential to restore trust and ensure accountability.
This episode serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, administrators, and educators. Several measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. A dedicated institution would address the unique needs of these students while relieving DU of the administrative burden. Effective communication between students and administrators is essential. Both sides must engage in regular dialogue to address grievances before they escalate. Adequate funding and infrastructure support must be provided to both DU and the seven colleges to ensure quality education without compromising either party’s needs.
The role of police in managing student protests must be re-evaluated. Officers should be trained in conflict resolution to avoid exacerbating tensions during such sensitive situations. The challenges of managing a large student body highlight the need for academic decentralization. Universities must be empowered to focus on their core responsibilities without being overburdened by additional affiliations.
The clashes between DU and Dhaka College students are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws in our education system. While the decision to sever ties with the seven colleges may bring temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution. Real progress will require a comprehensive overhaul of the policies and practices governing higher education in Bangladesh.
As a nation, we must prioritise the welfare of our students, ensuring that their academic journeys are not disrupted by administrative inefficiencies or unresolved conflicts. Only then can we hope to build an education system that truly empowers our youth and contributes to the progress of a new Bangladesh?
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The streets of Dhaka were thrown into turmoil last night as students from Dhaka University (DU) and Dhaka College clashed in a distressing display of violence in the city’s Neelkhet area. This confrontation, sparked by allegations of insults and perceived injustices, has now led to a monumental decision: the cancellation of the seven colleges' affiliation with Dhaka University. While the immediate crisis has been addressed, this episode underscores deeper issues in our educational ecosystem that demand urgent attention.
The affiliation of the seven colleges with DU has been a contentious issue since its inception. Originally aimed at enhancing academic standards and administrative efficiency, the arrangement quickly became a source of friction. Students from the seven colleges often felt sidelined, citing inadequate representation and support from DU’s administration. On the other hand, DU students voiced concerns about resources being stretched too thin, impacting their academic environment.
The tension reached a boiling point on Sunday, following allegations that DU Pro-VC Mamun Ahmed had made derogatory remarks about students from the affiliated colleges. These comments, perceived as inflammatory, ignited outrage among the students, culminating in protests and eventual clashes. The involvement of law enforcement, which reportedly targeted students from the seven colleges, further exacerbated the situation.
In response to the violence, DU authorities announced the termination of the affiliation agreement. No new students will be admitted under this arrangement for the 2024–25 academic session, marking the end of a chapter that began with high hopes but ended in discord. According to Vice Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, this decision was reached after a three-hour meeting with principals of the seven colleges and reflects a consensus to move forward under a new framework.
The clashes between DU and Dhaka College students are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws in our education system. While the decision to sever ties with the seven colleges may bring temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution. Real progress will require a comprehensive overhaul of the policies and practices governing higher education in Bangladesh.
The government’s expert committee will now oversee admission processes for these colleges. While this provides a temporary solution, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. For existing students, DU has assured continued academic services until a new system is in place, but questions about the long-term viability of this arrangement remain.
The cancellation of the affiliation is a regrettable outcome for all parties involved. For DU, it signals a failure to effectively manage an ambitious initiative aimed at expanding its influence. For the seven colleges, it represents a loss of the prestige and resources associated with being under the DU umbrella. Most importantly, for the students, it underscores the fragility of their academic futures in an education system marred by mismanagement and insufficient coordination.
Moreover, this incident has highlighted the disconnect between students and administrative authorities. The demands for disciplinary action against police officers and the removal of the DU Pro-VC illustrate a deep-seated mistrust that cannot be ignored. The clashes were not just about affiliation; they were a manifestation of accumulated grievances that have long gone unaddressed.
The involvement of law enforcement during the clashes has come under scrutiny. Students allege that the police targeted them unfairly, escalating tensions instead of diffusing them. While DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sazzat Ali defended the intervention as necessary to prevent bloodshed, the claims of disproportionate action must be thoroughly investigated. A neutral and transparent inquiry into the conduct of the police is essential to restore trust and ensure accountability.
This episode serves as a wake-up call for policymakers, administrators, and educators. Several measures must be taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. A dedicated institution would address the unique needs of these students while relieving DU of the administrative burden. Effective communication between students and administrators is essential. Both sides must engage in regular dialogue to address grievances before they escalate. Adequate funding and infrastructure support must be provided to both DU and the seven colleges to ensure quality education without compromising either party’s needs.
The role of police in managing student protests must be re-evaluated. Officers should be trained in conflict resolution to avoid exacerbating tensions during such sensitive situations. The challenges of managing a large student body highlight the need for academic decentralization. Universities must be empowered to focus on their core responsibilities without being overburdened by additional affiliations.
The clashes between DU and Dhaka College students are a stark reminder of the systemic flaws in our education system. While the decision to sever ties with the seven colleges may bring temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution. Real progress will require a comprehensive overhaul of the policies and practices governing higher education in Bangladesh.
As a nation, we must prioritise the welfare of our students, ensuring that their academic journeys are not disrupted by administrative inefficiencies or unresolved conflicts. Only then can we hope to build an education system that truly empowers our youth and contributes to the progress of a new Bangladesh?
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