Service rules for private university teachers

There should be compulsory service rules so that teachers can defend themselves if anything unlawful is done against them

The absence of a single set of service rules for all private university teachers has become a matter of grave concern for them, as they frequently fall victim to the whims and stubbornness of the authorities of their respective universities. According to a report in this newspaper on Wednesday, such a uniformed set of service rules has remained a longstanding demand of private university teachers, as they are apprehensive about losing their jobs any time. What is worrying is that at present, they are not even allowed to defend themselves in case of a sudden termination.

Although many are of the opinion that the quality of education in a private university is not up to the mark, the fact is that these higher seats of learning have now become an integral part of Bangladesh’s education system and they are indeed contributing to making graduates when number of public universities and their seats are very limited. But the majority of private universities in the capital have not fulfilled the requirement of founding such institutions. Many universities do not have their permanent campuses even after many years of their founding. Warnings from the government went unheeded. This does not augur well.

Currently, each of the 95 private universities in the country has its own service guidelines for appointment, promotion and termination, and the university authorities make their own rules. However, the government has no control over them. Consequently, the teachers are always at the receiving end and cannot defend themselves against steps taken by the private university authorities. Allegations are widespread that private university teachers work in an atmosphere of insecurity because the authorities can terminate them without showing any reason, thereby depriving them of all benefits for their long service. There should be compulsory service rules so that they can defend themselves if anything unlawful is done against them.

Recently the BRAC University authorities terminated a teacher of the law department by giving him one month's notice. The teacher, who was allegedly assaulted by university administrative personnel, was not given any chance to defend himself. Had he some legal shield through service rules, he could not have been humiliated.

Imparting education to students at higher seats of learning is an intellectual exercise. This is not possible in an atmosphere of uncertainty and intimidation. Their salaries and other benefits of teachers should be made clear to them first. Absence of transparency and clarity is sure to jeopardize their career.

 

Service rules for private university teachers

There should be compulsory service rules so that teachers can defend themselves if anything unlawful is done against them

The absence of a single set of service rules for all private university teachers has become a matter of grave concern for them, as they frequently fall victim to the whims and stubbornness of the authorities of their respective universities. According to a report in this newspaper on Wednesday, such a uniformed set of service rules has remained a longstanding demand of private university teachers, as they are apprehensive about losing their jobs any time. What is worrying is that at present, they are not even allowed to defend themselves in case of a sudden termination. Although many are of the opinion that the quality of education in a private university is not up to the mark, the fact is that these higher seats of learning have now become an integral part of Bangladeshs education system and they are indeed contributing to making graduates when number of public universities and their seats are very limited. But the majority of private universities in the capital have not fulfilled the requirement of founding such institutions. Many universities do not have their permanent campuses even after many years of their founding. Warnings from the government went unheeded. This does not augur well. Currently, each of the 95 private universities in the country has its own service guidelines for appointment, promotion and termination, and the university authorities make their own rules. However, the government has no control over them. Consequently, the teachers are always at the receiving end and cannot defend themselves against steps taken by the private university authorities. Allegations are widespread that private university teachers work in an atmosphere of insecurity because the authorities can terminate them without showing any reason, thereby depriving them of all benefits for their long service. There should be compulsory service rules so that they can defend themselves if anything unlawful is done against them. Recently the BRAC University authorities terminated a teacher of the law department by giving him one months notice. The teacher, who was allegedly assaulted by university administrative personnel, was not given any chance to defend himself. Had he some legal shield through service rules, he could not have been humiliated. Imparting education to students at higher seats of learning is an intellectual exercise. This is not possible in an atmosphere of uncertainty and intimidation. Their salaries and other benefits of teachers should be made clear to them first. Absence of transparency and clarity is sure to jeopardize their career.