We welcome the decision of Rajshahi University authorities not to increase the application fees by 25 per cent for the integrated admission test unlike 21 other public universities. At the same time, we would like to raise the question why other universities could not follow the example as set by Rajshahi University?
Earlier, the University Grants Commission (UGC) at a meeting with the vice-chancellors on April 7 decided to make the admission test fees of the public universities proportionally at a reasonable level. At that time, it was decided that if the fee was reduced to a reasonable level, the 40 per cent of the income from the admission fee would not have to be deposited in the budget of the university like before.
However, the authorities of the universities at another meeting on Monday decided to increase the application fee for admission in the first year of bachelor (honors) in the coming academic year (2021-22) to Tk 1,500. Last year this fee was Tk 1,200. That means each applicant will have to pay an additional 25 per cent extra. After that decision of UGC, it was naturally expected that the admission test fee would be reduced. Sadly, it did not happen.
How logical is the decision to surge the application fees by 25 per cent for the integrated admission test for the public universities? Although this will benefit the teachers and staff of the universities involved with the admission process, thousands of students seeking admission will suffer financially. No university other than Rajshahi University has shown willingness to take advantage of the UGC. As if their priority is to fill their own pockets. Such behaviour cannot be expected from those who are known as the conscience and the brain of the society. Considering the suffering of the students, 22 universities have taken up an integrated admission test system. This is definitely a good decision. But the fact that the financial loss of the students is not taken into consideration cannot be accepted.
Last year, the university admission test fee of 80 million students was embezzled by the teachers and staff, according to media reports. Since the admission test is part of the responsibilities of the university administration, teachers and employees, it should never be seen as a source of income. They should keep in mind that their salaries and allowances are paid from the public taxes. We call upon other universities to reduce the admission fee following the example as set by Rajshahi University.
