Sunday | 12 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Sunday | 12 January 2025 | Epaper

Educational excellence at public universities is imperative for national progress

Published : Tuesday, 17 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 630
MIR MOSHARREF HOSSAIN PAKBIR
Education is the cornerstone of national progress, and public universities serve as the backbone of higher education in Bangladesh. They serve as the primary destination for the nation's brightest and most meritorious students. However, despite the potential within these institutions, the quality of education remains a pressing concern. Despite the abundance of talent within their students, these institutions fail to rank among the top universities in Asia or the world. This glaring gap underscores the urgent need to improve the quality of education and address systemic challenges, necessitating immediate attention and reform.

Public universities in Bangladesh play a crucial role in the nation's educational landscape. They are the preferred choice for top-performing students due to their affordability and accessibility. These institutions have produced many of the country's leaders, scholars, and professionals. There are in total 55 public universities in Bangladesh. Every year, tens of thousands of students vie for a limited number of seats, making the selection process intensely competitive.

Public universities are accessible to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, making higher education attainable for many who might otherwise be excluded. This accessibility is vital for fostering a meritocratic society where talent and hard work determine success, rather than financial capability. Enhancing the quality of education at these universities ensures that every talented student, regardless of their economic background, receives a high-quality education.

Given this concentration of talent, public universities have a unique responsibility to nurture and develop the intellectual and professional capabilities of their students. They are expected to produce the next generation of leaders, researchers, and innovators who will contribute to the nation's development. However, despite this responsibility, public universities often fall short in providing the level of education, infrastructure, and global exposure required to compete in an increasingly interconnected world.

One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of global recognition for Bangladeshi public universities. None of these institutions currently rank among the top universities in Asia or the world. Rankings by organizations such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education serve as benchmarks for academic excellence, research output, and international collaboration. The absence of Bangladeshi universities in these rankings highlights deficiencies in areas such as research funding, faculty quality, curriculum design, and global partnerships.

Public universities have access to substantial public funding and resources. These resources must be utilized effectively to improve educational standards. In contrast, few public universities in Bangladesh often operate with outdated infrastructure and limited resources. This hinders the ability of students and faculty to engage in advanced research and learning. Moreover, faculty members are often burdened with different personal as well as political ventures, leaving little time for research or professional development as well as little scope to focus on the education of the students.

Bangladesh's economy is evolving, with increasing demand for skilled professionals in various sectors. Public universities must adapt to these changes by updating curricula, introducing new courses, and focusing on practical, industry-relevant skills. By raising educational standards, these institutions can better prepare students to meet the demands of the job market, thereby contributing to national development.

To raise the standard of education at public universities, it is crucial to focus on academic excellence. This requires revising outdated curricula, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches, and integrating modern teaching methodologies. Faculty development programs should be prioritized to ensure that educators are well-equipped to deliver high-quality instruction and mentorship. Investing in infrastructure is also essential for creating an environment conducive to learning and research. Modern laboratories, well-stocked libraries, and digital resources are fundamental requirements for any institution aspiring to global recognition. Encouraging research and innovation through grants and international collaborations can also significantly enhance academic standards. Global partnerships are vital for enhancing the reputation and quality of public universities.

Though student politics has played a vital part in the history of Bangladesh - from the 1952 language movement to July, 2024 anti-inequality movement, this had detrimental impact on the lives of many students, especially during the last two decades. Political activities frequently lead to campus closures, strikes, and violent clashes, disrupting the academic calendar and hindering students' progress. These interruptions result in loss of valuable teaching time, delayed graduations, and increased stress among students. Student politics often fosters a divisive atmosphere on campuses, where students are polarized along political lines. Students who are heavily involved in political activities may neglect their studies, leading to poor academic outcomes. Additionally, political affiliations can influence recruitment and career opportunities.

Due to political victimization, many meritorious students lost their lives, became disabled or turned into a social burden. Hence, it is important to contain student politics at the public universities of Bangladesh for the sake of a competitive and innovative future generation. One of the most effective ways to mitigate the negative impact of student politics is to depoliticize campus environments. This can be achieved by enforcing strict regulations against political activities within university premises. 

Establishing independent student councils focused on academic and extracurricular development can provide students with a platform for leadership without the influence of partisan politics. Counseling services and awareness programs can educate students about the importance of prioritizing their academic and personal development. A zero-tolerance policy towards political interference can help restore a focus on academic excellence.

Most importantly, the authority must focus on developing qualified, efficient, effective and committed faculty members. The recruitment and performance appraisal process of the faculty members must be completely honest, transparent and corruption-free. The faculty members must not get engaged in political activities. Teachers availing leaves for years after years to pursue their own agenda must not be allowed to remain on the job. The teachers must also work on developing themselves considering the changes in global teaching methods and changing curricula. Whatever the situation is the faculty members must serve the interests of the students as the topmost priority.

None of the country's public universities are currently listed among the top universities in the world or Asia, highlighting a critical need for improvement. Improving the quality of education at public universities can have far-reaching implications for Bangladesh's socioeconomic development. A well-educated workforce is essential for driving innovation, attracting foreign investment, and addressing pressing challenges such as poverty and unemployment. By producing globally competitive graduates, public universities can contribute to the nation's progress. This, in turn, can also attract international students, researchers, and investments.

To improve the standard of the public universities, the government should allocate more resources to public universities for infrastructure development, research grants, and faculty training programs. Public universities must prioritize research and innovation to drive academic and economic progress. Investment in research infrastructure, funding for research projects and support for faculty and student researchers are crucial for fostering a vibrant research culture. 

We need to consider where we want to see our country in the next 50 years and need to modify our education system, curricula and faculties under that consideration. Offering useless subjects to the students will only increase unemployment. The curriculum at public universities must be continuously updated to reflect current knowledge and industry needs. Integrating technology, promoting interdisciplinary studies, and emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for preparing students for the modern workforce. In today's interconnected world, we also need to foster international collaborations to enhance academic standards and global exposure. Public universities should establish partnerships with industries to provide internships, research opportunities, and job placements for students. Industry collaboration can also inform curriculum development, ensuring that graduates possess relevant skills and knowledge. 

Public universities should leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance teaching and learning. Additionally, technology can facilitate remote learning and collaboration, making education more accessible. Moreover, the university authority needs to establish clear metrics for evaluating the performance of universities, faculty, and students, aligned with global benchmarks.

The percentage of education budget against the national budget of Bangladesh is around 12%, which is very close to countries like Canada or USA and far more than that of India and many other countries. But proper utilization of this budget has always remained under question. We need to utilize our education budget properly. Moreover, our teachers, students, facilitators and authority - all need uphold nationalism and remain committed to national welfare while improving the educational standard in the country, especially at the public universities to develop future generations and leaders. 

Raising the standard of education at public universities in Bangladesh is not merely an academic imperative but a national necessity. These institutions hold the potential to transform the country by producing a generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. By addressing issues such as insufficient infrastructure, lack of global recognition, and the detrimental effects of student politics, Bangladesh can unlock the full potential of its most meritorious students. The time to act is now and we hope the relevant authority will realize and act on this agenda.

The writer is Chief Editor at Mohammadi News Agency (MNA) and Editor at Kishore Bangla



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