Mariam Akter Shilpi, CoU

Teachers of Comilla University (CoU) have expressed their support for moving away from the cluster (GST) admission system in favour of independent admission tests.

The university’s Proctorial Body has sought time until 12 pm of January 15 to make an official decision regarding this matter.

On Sunday (January 12), during a student's protest in front of the administrative building, CoU Proctor Prof Dr. Md. Abdul Hakim met with the students in his office and announced this decision.

Prof Dr. Md. Abdul Hakim said , “We do not want our university to remain part of the Cluster admission process. We advocate for independent admission tests to alleviate student suffering. The prolonged nature of the cluster system increases these difficulties. We agree with the students—we do not support this process. A final decision is expected by January 15, following a discussion at our syndicate meeting on January 14.” Several faculty members were present during the announcement, including Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain from the Mathematics, Associate Prof Dr. Nahida Begum from the Bangla, Assistant Professors Dr. Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan Khan and Mutasim Billah from the Archaeology, Mahmudul Hasan, the Head of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, Assistant Prof Md. Siddiqur Rahman from the Management Education Department.

All present faculty members expressed their support for independent admission tests and endorsed the students’ demands for abolishing the GST system. Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain from the Mathematics Department commented, “Independent admission tests foster a festive environment on campus, as faculty and staff engage with students from various regions.

The cluster system, on the other hand, has diminished this vibrant atmosphere and led to a decline in the number of talented students in our department. Despite having 60 seats, we struggle to fill them and enrollment drops further at the Master’s level. Considering all these factors, I firmly oppose the cluster system.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Md. Haider Ali added, “I have always opposed the GST admission system and want to exit it. However, as I am being asked by the government to remain in it, I am trying to convey the concerns and justify our withdrawal.” It should be know that in an emergency meeting of CoU’s 83rd Academic Council on December 15 last year, the university decided to move away from the GST system and adopt an independent admission process.

However, on January 3, CoU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Md. Haider Ali announced to the media that the university would conduct admissions for the 2024-25 academic year under the GST system. This decision sparked widespread discussions and criticism within the university. Earlier, various groups, including the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and the CoU branch of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, submitted memorandums to the administration demanding an independent admission system. Additionally, on January 5, general students organized human chains and sit-ins under a common banner, protesting the GST system and demanding the abolition of the reserved quota for officials’ descendants.

On January 9, general students issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the administration to clarify their stance on the GST system.