The ongoing protests by students at Government Titumir College in Dhaka, demanding university status, have drawn significant attention and sympathy.
However, a closer examination of the situation reveals that these demands may be fundamentally misguided.
While the students’ frustrations regarding session delays and inadequate facilities are valid, the call for university status lacks the necessary foundation in terms of infrastructure and resources.
Government Titumir College, established in 1968, currently serves around 35,000 students.
Despite its rich history and the aspirations of its student body, the college does not possess the requisite facilities to function as an independent university.
The government’s refusal to grant university status is not merely an act of obstinacy; it is a recognition of the reality that the college lacks the infrastructure, faculty, and resources essential for a higher education institution.
Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has rightly pointed out that the demand for university status, particularly under the pressure of a deadline, is not rational.
As per a report published in this newspaper on Tuesday, the college currently suffers from a lack of qualified teachers and laboratory facilities.
Transforming it into a university without addressing these fundamental issues would not only be impractical but could also compromise the quality of education for the students.
Moreover, the involvement of political factions, such as the Chhatra League, in the protests raises concerns about the motivations behind the movement.
While student activism is crucial for a vibrant democracy, the blending of educational demands with political agendas can dilute the legitimacy of the student’s cause.
The focus must remain on educational reform rather than becoming a platform for political manoeuvring.
The government’s commitment to exploring the establishment of a separate university for affiliated colleges under the University Grants Commission is a step in the right direction.
However, this process must be grounded in a realistic assessment of each institution’s needs and capabilities.
The history of other colleges, such as Rajshahi College and BM College, illustrates that not all historic institutions can or should be converted into universities.
While the aspirations of the students at Government Titumir College are commendable, their demands for university status are premature and lack the necessary support.
A more constructive approach would involve addressing the existing deficiencies within the college and fostering a dialogue that prioritises educational quality over hasty transformations. These students’ future — and the educational system’s integrity — depends on it.
