A recent panel discussion at Dhaka International University (DIU) highlighted the importance of prioritizing student voices in the reform of higher education in Bangladesh. The event, part of the “Amio Jitte Cai” campaign organized by Democracy International and DIU, focused on the aspirations of the youth regarding educational improvements.
The campaign seeks to create an opportunity for all citizens to express their thoughts and opinions freely. To facilitate this, a dedicated website, www.amiojittechai.com, has been launched, allowing youth to discuss their role in improving higher education. Professionals are also encouraged to share their insights on various daily issues.
Moderated by Anindya Rahman, Deputy Director of Democracy International, the panel featured several distinguished speakers who addressed the current challenges facing higher education and the opportunities for reform. At the beginning of the event, Deputy Chief of Party (Programmes) of Democracy International, Aminul Ehsan informed about the campaign. The Chief of Party of Democracy International Dana L. Olds, Associate Professor of the University of Dhaka Dr. Rasheda Rawnak Khan and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DIU Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari, special correspondent of Jamuna TV Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu and Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Nazifa Jannat were present there.
Dr. Rasheda Rawnak Khan, Associate Professor at the University of Dhaka, emphasized that Bangladesh is significantly lagging other countries in its education system. She pointed out the inability to showcase educational achievements online and questioned the quality of university education. Dr. Rawnak noted that the lack of freedom of expression within educational institutions has contributed to this deficit. “With the youth leading the way, we can instigate change in higher education,” she stated.
Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu, a special correspondent at Jamuna TV, says that the education system has become overly focused on job attainment. “We pursue higher education to build a good reputation in society, yet many students feel stuck in their careers. We need to broaden our educational goals beyond just securing jobs,” he asserted.
Nazifa Jannat, Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, expressed concerns about the commercialization of education. She criticized the establishment of numerous universities that compromise educational quality. Jannat called for a universal education framework and advocated for the need to streamline the process for students preparing to study abroad, suggesting a digital overhaul of existing systems.
Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at DIU, highlighted the role of youth in nation-building. He praised the resilience of young people in overcoming political challenges and encouraged them to continue seeking solutions to societal issues.
The event also featured an interactive theater performance that engaged students on various educational issues, followed by a quiz competition in which ten students were recognized for their participation.
In the closing remarks, Dana L. Olds, Chief of Party at Democracy International, congratulated the winners and stressed the need for government and political parties to meet citizens’ expectations. “Change is possible when we empower our youth, and I fully support their initiatives,” she stated.
Korban Ali, the Deputy Director of Democracy International, and Ashrupa Haque Chowdhury, the Senior Program Officer, were also in attendance at the event. Lecturers Emon Hasan Bhuiyan from Civil Engineering Department, Abdul Awal Rabbi, and Sagar Hasan of the EEE department, as well as Raihan Alam Siam, a lecturer at the CSE department from DIU, were in attendance. As the event concluded, attendees enjoyed cultural performances, further enriching the dialogue on the vital role of student voices in shaping the future of higher education in Bangladesh.
