Bangladesh's ambition to become a developed nation by 2041 rests largely on the shoulders of its youth - and by extension, on the quality of education they receive. Among the country's most important educational institutions are its public universities, which have historically been the pride of the nation. From leading the Language Movement of 1952 to acting as catalysts for the Liberation War of 1971, these universities were once at the center of intellectual discourse and national transformation.
Yet today, they find themselves in a state of persistent decline - plagued by session delays, political interference, outdated curricula, poor research output, and infrastructural decay. This is not a problem that affects only students or academia. It is a crisis that concerns every citizen, because no nation can rise if its universities fall.
At the core of the problem lies a governance crisis. Many public universities are no longer autonomous spaces for academic freedom and scholarly excellence. Instead, they have become heavily politicized environments, where student organizations aligned with major political parties exert control through intimidation and violence.
The tragic incident at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in 2022, where students launched a hunger strike demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor, is emblematic of the growing tension between students and the administration. Their protest was not merely about leadership but reflected broader frustrations over non-transparent appointments, lack of responsiveness, and erosion of trust. Vice-chancellors and senior faculty are often appointed not through open competition but via political recommendations. This undermines the credibility of academic leadership and discourages merit-based progress. Furthermore, faculty recruitment processes are often mired in allegations of nepotism, favoritism, and regionalism, thereby diminishing academic integrity.
Perhaps the most visible sign of this decline is the session jam - a term that has become synonymous with public university life in Bangladesh. Caused by class suspensions due to strikes, teacher shortages, or poor administrative planning, these delays cost students years of their academic life. A four-year degree often takes six years or more to complete. This not only affects their mental well-being but also pushes back their entry into the job market. In a country where over 2 million young people enter the labor force every year, such inefficiencies are economically unsustainable.
While global universities are racing to prepare students for the challenges of artificial intelligence, climate change, and global diplomacy, Bangladeshi public universities are still relying on outdated curricula, often unchanged for decades. Many departments still encourage rote memorization over critical thinking or problem-solving. As a result, graduates often find themselves underprepared for competitive job markets, both at home and abroad. Employers frequently report that university graduates lack the communication skills, digital literacy, and creativity required for modern workplaces.
A 2023 report by the University Grants Commission (UGC) revealed that only 9% of public university graduates in Bangladesh find employment within six months of graduation - a figure that should alarm policymakers.
In developed countries, universities are not just teaching institutions - they are engines of research, innovation, and national development. Unfortunately, research in Bangladeshi public universities is often symbolic. Funding is limited, opportunities are scarce, and many faculty members remain disconnected from international academia. According to Scopus-indexed publications data from 2022, Bangladesh ranks far behind India, Pakistan, and even Nepal in terms of research output from public universities. The absence of research-friendly policies, grants, sabbaticals, and infrastructure continues to discourage innovation.
Many public universities lack even the most basic infrastructure. Laboratories are under-equipped, libraries outdated, dormitories overcrowded, and sanitation facilities unhygienic. In some institutions, two students share a narrow bed, and multiple students attend classes standing due to lack of seating. Moreover, the digital divide is widening. During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of public university students were unable to attend online classes due to poor internet access or lack of devices. Even now, high-speed internet, smart classrooms, and digital libraries remain the exception, not the norm. The government's allocation for education remains stuck at around 2% of GDP - far below the UNESCO-recommended 4-6%. Until education becomes a budgetary priority, public universities will continue to lag behind.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of this crisis is the emotional toll on students. Many come from marginalized or rural backgrounds, hoping for upward mobility through education. Instead, they encounter disappointment, delay, and despair. The increase in reported cases of depression, anxiety, and even suicide among university students is a warning sign. Education, once a path to liberation, is turning into a source of trauma.
The challenges are vast but not insurmountable. A multi-tiered approach is essential. Universities must be insulated from direct political influence. Student politics should be democratic and academic in nature, not tools for intimidation or recruitment into party agendas. Vice-chancellors, deans, and senior administrators should be selected through transparent, competitive, and merit-based processes, ideally overseen by independent commissions. Curricula should be updated every 3-5 years in consultation with academia, industry experts, and international partners. Emphasis must be placed on soft skills, communication, coding, ethics, and global awareness.
Funding for research must increase significantly. Collaborative grants with international universities, research fellowships, and faculty development programs can help bridge the existing gap. Libraries, hostels, labs, and lecture halls must be modernized. Simultaneously, mental health support, counseling centers, and career advisory services must be made available on all campuses. The government must prioritize education not just in speeches but in policy. Raising education expenditure to at least 4% of GDP is a basic step forward.
The decay of public universities is not just an academic issue - it is a national emergency. Without skilled, well-rounded, and inspired graduates, Bangladesh will falter in its development goals. The youth, full of potential, deserve institutions that match their aspirations. As we move toward 2041, let us remember: highways, flyovers, and smart cities may be signs of progress, but without strong universities, a nation cannot truly rise. It is time for a bold, coordinated, and visionary reform of public higher education - before we lose the minds that will shape our future.
The writer is a Student, Department of Bangla, University of Rajshahi
