Dear Sir
As the RU admission test for the 2023-24 academic year approaches on March 5, 6, and 7, prospective students find themselves embroiled in a war beyond the examination hall. The journey to the exam centre is marred by the inconvenience of skyrocketing transportation costs, with train tickets vanishing within minutes of release. Bus fares surge, and auto-rickshaw rates soar three to five times their usual, burdening admission candidates.
The influx of almost 2 lakh students exacerbates the accommodation crisis, exploited by the Mess Owners Association, which charges exorbitant fees of up to 500 taka. Residential hotels follow suit, multiplying rents several times. Unscrupulous food vendors seize the opportunity, inflating prices by 5 to 10 times and compromising quality.
On-campus shops, seemingly shielded from scrutiny, overcharge compared to their off-campus counterparts. This exploitation often goes unnoticed by the administration, allowing these practices to persist unchecked. Urgent action is imperative to alleviate the suffering of admission candidates, ensuring fairness and affordable access during this crucial academic juncture.
Md Tarek Ali
Student, Department of Sociology
University of Rajshahi
