Universities should not be politicised: Nahid

Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday urged all, regardless of political affiliation, to come forward to ensure that universities are not politicised.

He said, "If universities are not strong, other state institutions also cannot function properly. Therefore, everyone, regardless of political affiliation, must come forward. Freedom of expression must be ensured, and care must be taken to ensure that universities are not politicised."

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Al-Forkan around 7:30pm. 

During the meeting, they discussed various issues, including the current academic environment of the university, campus discipline, students' safety, research and the improvement of higher education standards.

At the meeting, VC Al-Forkan sought cooperation from all quarters to make the university's administrative and academic activities more dynamic. 

He said, "We are always striving to maintain a proper academic environment at the university and improve the standards of research and higher education. With everyone's cooperation and collective efforts, we want to take this university to a unique level of success."

Nahid said, "During the previous regime, our relationship with vice-chancellors was one of hostility, like that of master and servant. We must ensure that such a situation does not arise again in the future."

He further said, "As a political party, we also have plans regarding universities. We will urge the government to increase budget allocations for universities and provide more funding for the research sector in the upcoming budget."

Nahid recalled the role of the university's students during the July uprising and praised the natural beauty of the university campus.

He also expressed hope for improving the quality of education, maintaining a healthy academic environment, strengthening relations with local residents, and resolving the housing crisis at the university.

Present with him were NCP South Region Chief Organiser and Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 constituency Hasnat Abdullah and Joint Chief Organiser Jubairul Hasan Arif. 

CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Md Kamal Uddin, Proctor Prof Hossain Shaid Shohrowardhy, and Vice-President (VP) of the University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) Ibrahim Hossain Rony were also present, among others.