A Facebook status posted by Shafiqul Islam, a lecturer in the Accounting Department of Moulvibazar Government College, titled “National University: A Series of ‘Empty’” has sparked widespread response from netizens. The status reads as follows:

"Recently, the Honorable Vice Chancellor of the National University stated that rich kids don’t study at the National University. To make them class-oriented...
If you truly know that the National University is a hub for many neglected, deprived students who often support themselves through work — then rather than just acknowledging it, the nation deserves to know: how much is being spent annually per student at the National University? What has this institution done over the years for their development?

According to the UGC’s 2022 report, the annual expenditure per student at the National University is only 702 taka — that’s just 58.50 taka per month. In contrast, in a public university, the average monthly expenditure per student is no less than 10,000 taka.

There are thousands of public and private colleges under the National University. They hold the record for launching Honors and Master’s programs almost anywhere and everywhere without considering quality or standards.

What has the National University done to enhance the quality of its students? Or how do its students perceive their own contribution — you should conduct a survey and find out.

Let me present a glimpse of the situation through a few examples. In large colleges under the National University, the typical scene is:

No dormitories or hostels; and even if one or two exist, the accommodation crisis is severe.

Students who want to attend regularly often can’t afford it — because transportation provided by the college is virtually non-existent. Even if one vehicle is there, it’s usually in a dilapidated state.

Thousands of students — but hardly any proper classrooms to sit in; because the focus is more on turning students into examinees than actual learners.

There's no visible support in areas like financial assistance for students, health services, or campus cleanliness.

The syllabus remains outdated — academic development sees virtually no action. There is also no proper training system in place to improve teacher competency.

Amidst a long list of 'Nots', a massive university continues to function — caught between light and shadow.

Graduates from the National University are working at various levels of nation-building. Despite numerous challenges, some teachers and students are trying to do well — the credit belongs solely to them, not to the National University.

The National University should turn its attention to these many ‘Nots’, engage with the government, and revitalize these institutions. It should ensure the dignity of teachers and invest in student welfare."