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Spotlight

Classes begin at Dhaka University

Tazmia Islam Nion

After 55 days of deadlock, Dhaka University has finally been reopened on 13th January. The whole scenario of Dhaka University has changed drastically following the declaration of emergency in the country.

Everyone was sure that it would take at least two more months before Dhaka University could resume its regular activities. The sudden news of the university being re-opened left the students thoroughly surprised.

Since the news was circulated rather late the night before, it took a while before people could actually comprehend what was going on. However, the way the students gathered in the campus clearly indicated how long and eagerly they had been awaiting this moment

Everything was so sudden and unexpected that the gatekeeper of the Commerce faculty couldn't decide whether he should unlock the main gate or not. After much confusion he finally opened the gate at 12pm.

The bus service of Dhaka University doesn't make any trips on Saturday, so they started their regular service from Sunday. Although Dhaka University officially re-opened on Saturday, no classes were held on that day. The Commerce faculty started their classes on Sunday, but some of the departments are taking their time before they resume activities.

So now the university is finally back on track. This has generated great enthusiasm among the students as well as all others related to the university. Everyone is trying his or her best to

compensate for the time that has already been lost.
The Department of Management started its class from Sunday. Professor Dr. Abu Saleh, Chairman, Department of Management Studies, informed us about their effort to prevent a session jam. They will try to arrange classes on weekends and evenings. He hoped that they could cover the gap of at least a month, but admitted that it would not be easy to cover the 3-month loss.

Dr. M. Nasiruddin Munshi, Chairman, Department of Information Science and Library Management says that the main support should come from the teachers in order to facilitate academic activities and holding examination and classes in due time. If the teachers want to arrange extra classes, the department will provide them all the support they may need. He also added that postponed examinations would be held on holidays so that they don't conflict with the regular schedule.

Of course, student co-ordination is also very necessary. Students expressed their full willingness to work hard and complete their courses within due time.

"This is like a dream come true. I could not believe it at first. I was so thrilled, and informed all my friends and relatives; all those who were anxious about my future that now we are back on track." said Sumi, a final year student of Computer Science.

“Political activities always go against the general students. We want a permanent solution. The majority is suffering because of a few. Strikes have never been accepted or welcomed by the general students, yet we are always the victims" said Andalif, a second year student of economics while expressing his view against the political parties.

Hillina is not so worried because the Economics department always takes some initiative in order to recuperate. Some students also demanded that the authority should impose a law banning all political activities in public Universities.

"We were like fish out of water these last few days. We could neither apply for jobs nor continue studies. Now suddenly we seem to have gotten our life back. Now we can at least hope to finish our graduation" said Sazzad, a final year student of Management Studies.

Morad expressed his reactions concisely "I am happy, but at the same time I doubt how long this situation will prevail. We see the light, but how long it will enlighten us is really a question."

The situation is even more critical for those final year students who have already started their internship in different organizations.

"The department permitted us, the final year students of commerce faculty, to finish our internship if we can arrange to do so. But now we are in a really haphazard situation. We don't know how to manage the situation. A few days ago it seemed that the political situation is not going to improve anytime soon. But the sudden decision of reopening the university came as a surprise to us all. The organizations where we are working will not grant us leave for more than fifteen days. Our examinations will probably start next month. How we will we prepare for it?" this is how Dipti expressed her problem.

While some doubt how long this situation will prevail, or whether too much damage has already been done, there can be no doubt that all those involved seem to be gearing themselves up and preparing to do the best they can for the University and for the country. Our best wishes are with all those who are going way beyond the call of duty in order to make sure students don't have to undergo undue suffering.