In the larger narrative of education, universities are perceived as bastions of knowledge, innovation, and progress. Yet under the cover of academic excellence, a harsh reality for some of Bangladesh's public universities is the reality of landlessness and homelessness. The establishment of public universities without adequate preparation has left 18 universities without permanent campuses in the country. Now, the question is –who is responsible for this miserable state in the country's higher education and what will be its consequences?

Since 2013, a good number of new universities have emerged in the context of higher education in Bangladesh, each promising to shape the future regarding specialised areas such as science, technology, digital education, and agriculture. However, for many of these institutions, the promise of a permanent campus remains elusive. According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), 14 of these 18 public universities without campuses are yet to acquire land for their own campuses.

Landless Universities: Who Will Take Responsibility?The impact of this crisis is far-reaching and will not only affect universities, but also the students, teachers, and a wide range of educational activities. Without permanent campuses, these universities are forced to operate with temporary arrangements, in rented buildings, or shared facilities, which limits their ability to provide quality education and conduct meaningful research. Similarly, students and teachers are deprived of necessary resources, infrastructure, and academic facilities— which is hindering their academic and professional development.

A major problem is the lack of a stable learning environment for the students. In the absence of their own campus, students face difficulties in participating in various educational activities and developing the idea of a pioneer community. The lack of a permanent campus undermines the credibility and reputation of these universities, casting doubt about their ability to provide a conducive learning environment and fulfil their academic mission. It can also affect the university's ability to attract and retain top-quality faculty, as they may hesitate to commit to the institution without a clear future vision. Furthermore, the lack of a permanent campus can hinder the university's ability to obtain funding and partnerships. Potential donors and associates may be less interested in investing in the institution without a stable foundation.

The question of responsibility looms large in the face of this crisis. Who is responsible for establishing a university without adequate infrastructure and planning? Why does the government allow the establishment of these institutions without ensuring that they have proper resources and support? Is the University Grants Commission failing to oversee the implementation of these projects? Are the policymakers, administrators, and stakeholders thinking about this issue seriously?

Addressing the issue requires not only short-term fixes but also a long-term commitment to ensuring that institutions imparting higher education have the necessary resources and infrastructure. It necessitates a collaborative effort involving government bodies, educational institutions, policymakers, and the community to prioritise and address the necessity of permanent campuses for these universities. Without such concerted efforts, the plight of landless, hoameless public universities will continue to hinder the progress of higher education in Bangladesh, leaving a significant gap in the nation's educational landscape.

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The writer is a student, University of Rajshahi