On Saturday (July 2), a seminar titled “What Kind of Universities Did We Get in Post-Uprising Bangladesh?” was held at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Dhaka. The event was organized by University Teachers’ Network and attended by academics from institutions across the country.
Speaking as the chief guest, the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser highlighted the complexity of reforming the country’s higher education system. He emphasized that repealing the 1973 University Ordinance overnight is not feasible. “This is a matter of internal structural reform. For that, demands must come from within all universities,” he said.
Addressing the recent administrative crisis at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), the adviser noted that leaders of the teachers’ association were simultaneously holding administrative power, creating a conflict of interest that disproportionately affected students. “This dual role led to inefficiency, and students have suffered the most,” he added.
Responding to criticism that the government did nothing about the KUET incident, the adviser clarified that two investigation committees were formed—one by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and another by the Education Ministry. The UGC focused on financial irregularities and overall campus conditions, while the ministry’s committee investigated those responsible, student demands, and accountability.
Regarding the appointment of vice-chancellors, the adviser stated that unlike in the past when such decisions were made unilaterally, there is now a structured process through a search committee. This includes representatives from the UGC, subject experts, and sitting VCs. “This is a significant structural shift, and recent appointments haven’t raised major concerns over qualifications,” he said.
The education adviser also pointed out that the events of the July student uprising have raised alternative questions about higher education governance. “The structural problems existing within universities now require fresh thinking and new strategies,” he remarked.
UGC member Tanzimuddin Khan also spoke at the seminar, which was presided over by economist and academic Anu Muhammad. Several university faculty members from outside Dhaka shared their post-uprising experiences, including Shusmin Afsana from Rajshahi University, Kazi Farid from Bangladesh Agricultural University, and Abhinu Kibria from Jessore University of Science and Technology.
