Photo: Collected
The environment plays a crucial role in the acquisition of education or knowledge. If the environment of an educational institution is pleasant, meaning it can calm the minds of students, it drives the process of acquiring education; conversely, a noisy environment significantly hinders education.
Because of Its geographical location and aesthetics, Dhaka University seems to be a place of comfort for the people of Dhaka. It is a perfect place for hanging out and having pleasant conversations. Moreover, any movement or struggle often finds its roots in Dhaka University, where protests and movements continuously take place. The campus seems to be the most suitable place for all of this. Yet, the primary function of Dhaka University is to provide 'education.' How education-friendly is the Dhaka University campus?
Problems of outsiders
Dhaka University campus is an ideal place for wandering and hanging out. Every afternoon, the influx of outsiders increases on campus, which is inconvenient for Dhaka University students. On this Tuesday the university administration evicted all floating vendors from the campus, including the TSC, in an effort to reduce outsiders. However, all the entry points of Dhaka University remain unguarded. Outsiders, vehicles, and even buses and trucks enter freely through these entry points.
In this July, students of Dhaka University faced brutal attacks from armed outsiders. Since then, the issue of student safety on campus has come to the forefront.
Despite having nearly 700 security Guard for the entire campus, it is rare to see them on campus. The 700 security guards do not have a specific uniform, making it difficult to identify who is a security Guard. Former Vice-Chancellor Maksud Kamal attempted to bring these security personnel under a uniform policy, but he was unsuccessful. It has been reported that many of these security personnel are reluctant to perform their duties while wearing uniforms.
Meanwhile, on June 16 of last year, in an effort to prevent uncontrolled vehicles and the unrestricted entry of outsiders, five security checkpoints were established at Shahbagh, Nilkhet (Democracy and Liberation Arch Gate), in front of Sheikh Russell Tower, and Doel Chattar, leading towards the campus. However, upon inspection, no security personnel could be found at these checkpoints, leaving the campus unprotected 24 hours a day.
Refugee problem
Dhaka University students often face harassment by homeless and marginalized individuals on their own campus. Every evening, the campus seems to turn into a refuge for refugees and drug addicts. Areas like TSC, Shaheed Minar, Curzon hall, Shahidullah Hall, Bangla Academy, Fuller Road, the grave of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Social Science Square, the bus stop in front of IML, and the footpath next to Rokeya Hall are frequented by wandering drug addicts. Some have even set up families in the campus area. Their indiscriminate defecation has made the campus environment uncomfortable. Female students have reported harassment from these individuals at various times.
Is the DU campus really Education Friendly?
The heart of Dhaka University, TSC, Raju Sculpture Square, and the areas near DUS and Hakim Square are adjacent to the university's central library. Raju Sculpture Square is the main venue for students to claim their rights. After the coup, the frequency of gatherings and protests at Raju has increased significantly.
Even outsiders and rickshaw pullers are holding programs at the Rajuk Sculpture. Students studying in the central library are facing various disturbances due to the noise created by the microphones and sound boxes used in these gatherings. Their studies are being disrupted, and they are facing various issues that hinder their focus.
Additionally, the TSC area of Dhaka University is often plagued by traffic congestion. Since Rokeya Hall and Shamsunnahar Hall are located in this area, the residential students of these halls face disruptions in their studies, sleep, and other activities. This issue becomes even more acute during exam times.
According to the World Health Organization, areas with noise levels exceeding 60 decibels are considered polluted. Acceptable noise levels are 25 decibels in bedrooms, 30 to 40 decibels in classrooms, and 35 to 40 decibels in libraries.
The Department of Environment, Safe Development Foundation, and Work for Better Bangladesh Trust conducted a survey in November 2013 to assess the noise pollution levels in Dhaka city. According to the survey data, the noise level at Shahbagh intersection near Dhaka University during the day was 92 decibels, 80 decibels at Nilkhet market, 95 decibels at Nilkhet intersection, and 94 decibels in front of New Market. The noise level on the Dhaka University campus was recorded at 79 decibels. This is more than double the acceptable noise levels for a healthy person. Continuous exposure to such high noise levels can lead to hypertension, irregular heartbeat, headaches, indigestion, peptic ulcers, insomnia, and even hearing loss, according to experts.
Comparison with BUET
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is located right next to Dhaka University.
However, the difference in the environment between BUET and DU is significant. Due to the presence of Security Guard at the entry points of BUET, no outsiders can enter the campus. Furthermore, vehicle movement is limited on the BUET campus. As a result, noise pollution, traffic congestion, and disturbances from outsiders are not seen there, allowing students to enjoy a calm and pleasant campus environment, which is ideal for studying.
Statement of the Authority
Dhaka University's Proctor, Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, expressed concerns over ongoing protests affecting administrative actions. He stated that the university administration is currently facing delays in addressing various issues due to daily movements on campus.
He announced that vests have been arranged for the proctorial team, which they will receive within a week. Additionally, the administration is considering uniforms for security personnel and has instructed the Estate Office to activate surveillance boxes, which will be operational soon.
Regarding campus gatherings, he noted that while the practice of holding meetings anywhere on campus is longstanding, it requires regulation. From now on, permission will be needed for such gatherings, especially in academic areas like the Arts Building and the Social Science Faculty. Furthermore, loudspeaker events at TSC after 10 PM will be prohibited.
On vehicle movement, he mentioned plans to meet with the Traffic DC and Shahbagh Police to control traffic within the campus. He compared Dhaka University with BUET, emphasizing that while BUET owns its roads, Dhaka University's roads fall under the City Corporation's jurisdiction, necessitating collaboration for improvements.
Messenger/Disha
