Evening MA
Opening evening MA course in the Department of English of DU is a timely initiative which would widen the scope of higher education. The country has dearth of quality higher education. In this condition, imparting better quality higher education with the existing infrastructure will ensure proper utilization of our resources.
But it is unfortunate that some students stood against the move without considering the issue logically. They are confused and concerned that evening MA programme might go against their interest. They argued that it will deepen the session jam and create extra pressure on the department. They also alleged that it is an evil move aimed at commercialisation of education. They chanted slogans that they would resist any attempt at 'commercialisation of education'.
It is a baseless fear that the evening programme will hinder the regular educational activities resulting in session jam. Ask any student of Business Faculty about this which has been running evening programmes (EMBA) since 2001. It is also noticeable that Business Faculty has less session jam in comparison to any other faculties of DU. Departments of the faculty are still flourishing with its additional fund of evening programmes. Actually in the evening no class is held, no one uses the library. It remains idle. Most of the teachers are also busy taking classes in private universities to utilize the spare time. So in no way will it affect the regular students.
Evening programmes are mutually beneficial. Fifty percent of these self-financed evening programmes go to the development funds for the regular students. Consequently, it provides modern amenities. For example, students of Business Faculties are enjoying better facilities such as well equipped and air conditioned classrooms, modern cyber section, better library, well-furnished seminars and auditoriums. Besides, Teachers will prefer taking class in the department to teaching in private universities. For the general students of the country, it is a window of opportunity by which they can get quality higher education. In fact, it is beneficial to the country as a whole.
Due to the protest by some misguided students, the department has postponed the programme. It is expected that the students will take the right stance on any matter after assessing everything correctly.
The English department should resume the evening MA programme.
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