At present, most of the country's more than half a hundred public universities have no vice-chancellors and pro vice-chancellors appointed by the government. The victory of the anti-discrimination student movement brought about their resignation. Even internal administrators appointed by the university administration have already resigned due to the changed circumstances. In this situation, the universities are practically dysfunctional. Even before these vice-chancellors most of the previous ones could not complete their duties with credit. Many had resigned or failed to be rehired in the wake of the outrage, and even the agitation.

In the recent past, the rate at which the news has been published day after day about various embarrassing issues such as the appointment of university teachers, the appointment of vice-chancellors, the illegal and unethical activities of many of them, and the irregularities and arbitrariness in the management of the university; even if some of it is true, it has taken the form of an epidemic. The impact of which has spread not only in the education sector, but throughout the society. In this situation, we expect the interim government to take precautionary measures to prevent the recurrence of this epidemic by appointing highly qualified vice-chancellors to foster an education-friendly environment.

In the recent past, all the news about the appointment of the vice chancellor of a university to the daughter or close relative of the vice chancellor of another university, the appointment of teachers in exchange for money or marriage, etc., including audio-video, phone conversations, have created a negative image about the university in the public mind. Many respectable teachers are reluctant to identify themselves as university teachers these days. And many of the most qualified educationists expressed their disinclination to become the vice-chancellor, whereas even three decades ago, university teachers were truly guardians of the nation. Starting from the state level, the respect and dignity of the university teachers can be said to be regrettably at the very low.

Creating a favorable environment for learning in a university is the main job of a vice chancellor. When s/he has to ignore this work and concentrate on other work, it is often impossible for him/her to achieve the overall development of the concerned university. This is happening at several universities in recent times. This situation is precarious for the learning environment on the one hand; On the other hand, there is an obstacle in the way of the necessary preparation to survive in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, which in turn leads to deprivation and discrimination in the society. Besides, it is not at all helpful in exploiting the opportunities and challenges of the fourth industrial revolution and building a prosperous Bangladesh.

At present, a review of the situation of one university after another shows that if the appointment of vice-chancellors of public universities is done from among the most qualified (in terms of education, research, progress, openness, acceptance, etc.), then the mistrust and unstable situation that arose in the universities after a few days would have reduced a lot. From the deadlock created in various universities (e.g., Chittagong, Rangpur, Sylhet) in the recent past, it is certain that if vice-chancellors were appointed accordingly (on the basis of academic and administrative merits; not political/regional considerations) from the said universities, the undesired deadlock arising out of the arising problems would not have arisen.

Even if the teacher is working in the concerned university, in that case some aspects need to be kept in special consideration. If the vice-chancellor, pro vice-chancellor of a public university is retired, it is disrespectful to the autonomous university. Moreover, it is not expected that even if it is in charge, it will continue for an indefinite period (even beyond four years). Retirees no longer hold universities; They are busier in harvesting their own sugarcane than the interests of teachers and students. And by helping them in their misdeeds, a few teachers also do various kinds of self-interest. Universities should be freed from such disrespect and abuse of autonomy.

Basically, as a result of appointing the vice-chancellors from above or due to political considerations, s/he has to be always busy keeping the powerful happy rather than the education environment of the university, the students' studies or the teachers' teaching or research. Rather than being appointed from the university or below (e.g., from among those nominated by the senate in the four major autonomous universities), university vice-chancellors tend to focus more on top and other tasks when the university is appointed from above.

If there is a commitment to maintain the learning environment in the classroom, if there is responsibility and accountability to the teachers-students, how the unimaginable stories of one after another university vice-chancellors are created! In addition to developing their own character, they are creating an extremely dangerous situation for the dignified position of all teachers across the country. Even after being appointed as vice chancellor, some of them started the recruitment process. A vice-chancellor appointed his son, daughter, brother-in-law and nephew. Some vice-chancellors turned universities into recruitment markets. How vice-chancellor of a university unfairly approached the vice-chancellor of another university for her daughter's job! How a vice-chancellor's assistant supervises financial transactions in teacher recruitment (Prothom Alo, 2 November 2023). The leaked audio of the latter two incidents has revealed how many misdeeds remain unreported.

The existing situation is such that if a vice-chancellor commits corruption, after his/her retirement or after the term of office is over, s/he is no longer accountable. Why vice-chancellors will rise above the law! If the rule of law is in force in the country, then why vice-chancellors will not be held accountable and prosecuted for their misdeeds? It is known that some vice-chancellors have already been found guilty, but there is no precedent for bringing them to justice. As a result of the impunity, the incumbent ones overshadowed the irregularities or corruption of their previous vice-chancellors. Firm steps must be taken to stop such misdeeds. Such costs are in no way desirable for a university run by public money.

Universities for teaching and research; universities are for students. Until the fair environment of education of students and teachers is ensured in the universities, the universities of Bangladesh will never be able to reach the expected status in the international ranking of the universities. It has been five decades since the university got its autonomy. full autonomy has neither been implemented (free from power politics/government), nor preserved. It has to be thought deeply in order to move forward. Appointment of vice-chancellors in autonomous universities as well as other universities in a regular manner, to maintain the learning environment, to take effective steps towards increasing the quality of teaching and research is the need of the hour.

In the changing situation as a result of the victory of the anti-discrimination student-citizen movement, we want to see academically and morally acceptable knowledge and research-oriented teachers as vice-chancellors in various universities, who will make the universities truly education-friendly institutions. Who will ensure that the university campus is free of political bias and a safe campus for both students and faculty and promoting research and academic and extra-academic activities-so that the ranking of the universities go to a respectable place, and the campus are free of all forms of discrimination and violence. At the same time, they will try to ensure good relationship between teachers and students. That is, in whose activities the main message of anti-discrimination movement, equality will be established and the accountability of the concerned authorities will be ensured in all services including classes and examinations. For this, immediate election of all bodies and senate including student union (DUCSU, CUCSU, etc.) is necessary. Importantly, cultural sterility must be removed immediately. Reputed academicians should be appointed as vice-chancellors who will strive to pave the foundation for building a discrimination-free society in the society.

Author: Professor and Former Chairman, Department of Anthropology, University of Chittagong Email: alactg@gmail.com