Feature

Dr. Samir Kumar Sheel

She was dumbfounded - not in fear, it was the excitement that left her speechless. "It's beyond my imagination" - Rukhsana, a newly enrolled BBA student in the Department of Marketing, University of Dhaka, appears effusive while speaking before the audience. "I can't believe that a single department can organise such a glamorous reception programme" - she added when she was called on to the dais to express her feelings on behalf of her new mates in a "Freshers' Reception Programme" organised by the department. "Over the years," - she proceeded further, “we have often been given an impression of the university campus as an asylum of all that is evil and impure, where there are no academic of cultural activities, no creative expressions- a place full of politics and constant conflicts between the students. I was suspicious of whether I could retain my studentship in this university for the next five years or so. As I stepped into the faculty premises, I noticed a magnificently decorated reception gate flaunting the words "Welcome BBA 13th Batch - Breaking the Superstition" (since the number 13 is sometimes thought of as being unlucky). The whole premises have been decorated with colours. What a surprise!”

“As I move on, I see that two more reception gates have been built at the entry of the reception hall, which is fully air-conditioned, well-furnished and with state-of-the-art equipment! A band of smart boys and girls received me. They are the senior students of the department, the anchors of all things of today! Amazing, simply amazing! My preconceived ideas about university start taking a backseat, being replaced by the reality I see now. The students are so creative, dedicated, organised and diverse!"

“The new start in my department led me to think in another direction. There is no denying the fact that a many unbecoming events take place here, in the university campus. But it is equally true is a lot of worthwhile events are also held under the same roof. Regrettably, the glory of all those worthy events is surpassed by some misdeeds."

This is the Dhaka University Campus where rival student organisations are often engaged in violent clashes with each other. At the same time, some students are seen asking for financial assistance to the with a view to help a cancer-affected student or his family; another group of students are seen organising a vaccination programme or blood donation campaign at the TSC compound in order to inspire individuals to donate blood; a group of business faculty students are found busy with planning a charity film show to raise funds for victims of acid violence. At the R. C. Mazumder Hall; there is going on a seminar on human development- gender and equity at the same time. Unfortunately, all these noble deeds do not enjoy as much media coverage as the misdeeds. This is because of the value system of the society we live in. Society seems to be evil-receptive rather than fair-responsive. Hopefully, there is a silver lining in the dark and thus society advances. The new generations coming into the university campus bring some light with them to counter the darkness all around. What needs to be done is to bring their creativity to limelight with due recognition. Can we expect this from the media?

Associate Professor
Department of Marketing
University of Dhaka

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