University teachers and education cadre clash again
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Public university teachers and Education Cadre teachers have been involved in disputes over various issues before and after the establishment of Dhaka Central University. Now another conflict has come to the forefront following remarks by Central University Vice Chancellor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam.
Recently he said, “The teachers who teach at universities need to have a certain mindset and research capabilities. BCS Education Cadre officials do not have those capabilities.” At the same time, he questioned the framework for incorporating teachers from the seven colleges into the university. His remarks have added fuel to the fire.
Angered by the vice chancellor’s remarks, the BCS General Education Cadre Association has demanded his resignation. The organization alleged that since being appointed vice chancellor five months ago, Dr. Md. Nurul Islam has made several negative comments about the qualifications and postings of Education Cadre officials. It also alleged that he has taken initiatives to remove Education Cadre officials from the university.
In one part of the vice chancellor’s remarks, the seven colleges were described as the “birthplace of absorbed teachers” and it was said that there should be criteria for determining who would teach students.
Education Cadre teachers said, “Teachers at government colleges perform various responsibilities alongside teaching including examinations, question preparation, answer script evaluation, admissions and administrative duties. Due to teacher shortages and an excessive number of students, many colleges have to conduct multiple levels of educational activities with limited staff. Therefore, it is not reasonable to evaluate them solely based on university level research standards.”
Professor I K Selim Ullah Khandaker, former principal of Dhaka College and former president of the association, said, “Education Cadre teachers teach a large portion of those studying in higher education in the country. There are 17,000 serving teachers in this cadre and nearly 50,000 retired members. Most of them are former students of public universities. The vice chancellor should have been more careful before making comments about them.”
Meanwhile, Dhaka Central University expressed regret over the vice chancellor’s remarks. In a statement Central University said, “Confusion has arisen because an excerpt of the statement was circulated. The main point of the vice chancellor’s remarks was to improve the higher education, training, research and professional capabilities of teachers from the seven colleges. There was no intention to demean teachers from any particular cadre. Nevertheless, if anyone has been hurt by the remarks, the vice chancellor has sincerely expressed his regret.”
However, the Education Cadre Association is not satisfied with this explanation. The organization said criticism of the quality of education may be made but it must be based on facts, logic, evidence and academic etiquette.
Where the Conflict Began
The conflict between the Education Cadre and public university teachers became more pronounced after the seven colleges were first affiliated with the University of Dhaka in 2017. The dispute then intensified over the quality of education and academic activities at the colleges, publication of results, session backlogs, registration and administrative coordination.
The impact was felt by students. From 2017 to 2024, students repeatedly took to the streets over issues concerning the seven colleges. There were allegations that sometimes university teachers and sometimes Education Cadre teachers encouraged these movements.
A solution came after the political change in 2024 when the seven colleges were separated from the University of Dhaka and an independent university was established. However, after the establishment of the university, the government faced serious difficulties over the position, posting, recruitment and distribution of responsibilities among cadre teachers. The government was later forced to make structural changes to the university.
Education Cadre teachers alleged that after becoming vice chancellor, Nurul Islam repeatedly made sweeping remarks that Education Cadre officials were unsuitable for teaching at universities. In protest against the vice chancellor’s remarks, many Education Cadre officials highlighted various aspects of their professional qualifications and actual working conditions on social media. At the same time, they said they would organize programs demanding the vice chancellor’s resignation.
Asked about the overall matter, Vice Chancellor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam said, “The matter has been clarified in the university’s statement.”
