Staff Reporter :
Dhaka University (DU) authorities have decided to start online classes and provide all its students health insurance amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The decision came at a meeting of the Dean’s committee – chaired by DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof M Akhtaruzzaman – held at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate building on Tuesday.
A press release was issued by the university in this regard.
After various discussions on this issue, the concerned have been requested to take necessary initiatives for online classes, the press release read.
Deans and directors of the faculties and institutes will coordinate the process and send requisitions to the university’s registrar after verifying the demands and deficits, the release added.
The Dean’s committee said it would be quick and easy for them to determine the shortcomings and needs of the departments, teachers, and students of Dhaka University by starting virtual education as soon as possible despite having limited access.
However, university authorities are yet to decide when they will start teaching online.
Meanwhile, a six-member committee was formed at the meeting, led by Dr Kamal Uddin, the university treasurer and a professor of the department of international business.
The committee will formulate the necessary policies so that Dhaka University students can avail medical services at different hospitals with a minimum insurance premium in the Covid-19 crisis.
“Insurance will help us attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This will also help Dhaka University move up in the list of top universities around the globe,” the release added.
The Dean’s committee also asked university departments and institutes to prepare a database on how they can contribute to achieving the 17 goals and 169 targets of the UN’s SDGs and requested all to submit their proposals by June 30 to the Dhaka University Registrar Enamuzzman.
“However, the number of fresher seats in Dhaka University should be determined taking the capacity of the university into consideration, as well as national and international needs in order to improve the quality of education.
“Deans and directors have been requested to send necessary information in this regard, including the recommendations of the faculties to the central university authorities,” read the release.
According to the release, over 7,000 students enrolled at Dhaka University in the academic session 2019-20.
