Summary:
- Dhaka University has removed the quota for freedom fighters’ grandchildren from its admission system, starting with the 2024-25 academic year.
- The quota reform now reserves seats only for the children of freedom fighters, aiming to make the university more inclusive.
- A total of 125,500 candidates competed for 2,934 seats in the Arts, Law, and Social Sciences Unit admission test held on January 25, 2025.
- The decision is part of Dhaka University’s broader reforms to modernize its policies and enhance accessibility.
Dhaka University (DU) has implemented a significant reform in its admission quota system, removing the provision for grandchildren of freedom fighters. This change was introduced during the 2024-25 academic year entry tests for the Arts, Law, and Social Sciences Unit, which took place on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, confirmed this decision while inspecting the examination centers on Saturday morning. He described the move as a “logical reform” aimed at transforming Dhaka University into a more inclusive institution. Dr. Khan stated, “We want to make Dhaka University a universal university.” The quota system now solely reserves seats for the children of freedom fighters.
This year’s admission test for the Arts, Law, and Social Sciences Unit was held simultaneously in Dhaka and seven divisional cities across Bangladesh. The examination ran from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and saw participation from a total of 125,500 applicants vying for 2,934 seats. This equates to an intense competition of 43 candidates per seat.
In Dhaka alone, 71,004 students appeared at various exam centers, including those within Dhaka University. Meanwhile, 54,496 candidates took part in the divisional cities. The high number of participants underscores the fierce competition for admission to one of Bangladesh’s most prestigious institutions.
The reform has garnered attention for its implications on equity and inclusivity in higher education. While some view it as a necessary step toward modernizing the university’s policies, others may question its impact on the descendants of freedom fighters who have historically benefited from such quotas.
This development comes as part of broader changes in Dhaka University’s admission process. Earlier this month, entry tests were conducted for other units, including the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) on January 3 and the Fine Arts Unit on January 4. The university continues to implement reforms aimed at enhancing its academic standards and accessibility.
Source: Kalerkantho
