Partisanship in public universities: Wave of resignations paralyses education

The depth of partisanship in the country's public universities was already apparent, but the recent wave of resignations, either voluntarily or forced by students, following the Awami League government's fall has exposed its full extent.

Experts say these departures have left universities effectively leaderless and in a state of paralysis. They suggest urgent interim appointments from among senior faculty members to prevent further disruption to the education system, which is already weakened by political interference.

Within just a few days of Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country, at least 30 vice-chancellors, 15 pro-vice-chancellors, and 21 university proctorial bodies resigned, according to the education ministry.

Many of these top administrators were allegedly politically aligned with the Hasina government, with political connections often taking precedence over qualifications for academic and administrative roles.

M Rezwan Khan, professor emeritus at United International University, told TBS that the former government appointed vice-chancellors and pro-vice-chancellors based on political affiliations. 

These vice-chancellors in turn often favoured party loyalists instead of qualified candidates for administrative positions within their universities, said Rezwan Khan, who is also a former professor of Buet.

"This practice has bred widespread distrust," he added. "As a result, many are now resigning under pressure from faculty and students or choosing to step down voluntarily."

He explained that the appointment of a new vice-chancellor is a complex process, and swift appointments are unlikely for all universities. 

To address the crisis, Prof Khan suggested appointing interim vice-chancellors from among senior faculty members to ensure continuity. 

With key positions vacant, universities could face session delays and other issues, he warned. "Thus, interim vice-chancellors can help maintain normal operations until permanent appointments are made."

Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud on Wednesday acknowledged the challenging situation. He said efforts are underway to fill these positions promptly, with priority given to candidates who are deemed acceptable to the students.

The adviser said the appointments will be guided by a preference for individuals who are less politically involved. "The selection process will avoid any partisan biases."

Wave of resignations

Following the fall of the Awami League government, Dhaka University vice-chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal, along with the proctorial body and seven hall provosts, has resigned, totaling at least 24 resignations. 

Dhaka University had been effectively paralysed since 1 July due to protests over the quota reform movement and pension schemes. 

While the university's halls reopened on 6 August and classes and exams resumed on 18 August, the lack of key administrative appointments has left the institution in a state of disarray.

At Jahangirnagar University, resignations include former vice-chancellor Nurul Alam, the pro-vice-chancellor, proctor, registrar, and seven provosts. 

Chittagong University has seen the resignation of vice-chancellor Md Abu Taher, two pro-vice-chancellors, 14 provosts, 11 members of the proctorial body, and the student adviser. 

At Rajshahi University, vice-chancellor Golam Sabbir Sattar, the pro-vice-chancellor, proctorial body members, and at least 75 other administrative staff have resigned.

Besides, vice-chancellors of Islamic University, National University, Jagannath University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Buet, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, have also resigned. 

Among the 55 public universities in the country, 42 currently have vacancies for vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors, or treasurers.

Md Kamrul Hassan, professor of physics at Dhaka University, said in the current administrative vacuum at universities, no one would be held accountable for any incidents that occur. 

He said it is urgent to appoint new vice-chancellors based on merit, in recognition of the significant sacrifices made by students during the uprising that led to the previous government's fall.