Mahfuj Alam Calls for Phasing Out Undergrad Programs at DU

Mahfuj Alam, former information adviser to the interim government, has proposed gradually phasing out undergraduate programs at the University of Dhaka and transforming the institution into a fully residential and research-based university.

He presented the proposal in a post on his verified Facebook account on Tuesday, marking Dhaka University Day.

“Dhaka University has produced four to five generations of the middle class. Now we need to think about how to phase out undergraduate programs over the next few years,” Mahfuj Alam wrote.

He said, “We must transform Dhaka University into a fully residential and research university. Only master’s and PhD programs will remain.”

Under his proposal, students would complete their undergraduate studies at constituent colleges across Bangladesh and still earn the identity of being a ‘proud Dhaka University alumni.’ Students who complete undergraduate studies at other universities or colleges and then pursue a master’s or PhD degree at Dhaka University would also be able to claim the same identity.

Emphasizing the need to improve the research environment, Mahfuj Alam wrote, “Dhaka University’s departments and centers must be restructured. Research students will receive scholarships, and research will align with the state’s needs and future plans.”

He also called for an end to teacher politics. “Teacher politics must stop. Student politics should be centered on DUCSU. Universities must recruit teachers and research assistants based on merit and performance. The practice of denying appointments to candidates despite having strong foreign degrees and academic results must end. Incompetent and sycophantic teachers should leave this noble profession,” he said.

The former information adviser also proposed establishing a separate ‘University and Heritage City’ encompassing the historic landmarks of Old Dhaka. In his view, authorities could bring Dhaka University, Dhaka College, Eden College, Lalbagh, Hussaini Dalan, the Central Jail, and other historic sites under a separate administrative structure with its own mayor and parliamentary constituency.

Marking Dhaka University Day, Mahfuj Alam expressed gratitude to the university’s founders and extended his greetings to its former and current students.