Unauthorised hostels at Farmgate

Farmgate is a vibrant educational hub, home to a number of educational institutions---a few of them reputed--- such as the Holy Cross School & College, Tejgaon Govt High School, Government Science College, Tejgaon College and Tejgaon Mohila College. Each year, the bustling place attracts thousands of students, university admission seekers, medical and engineering coaching candidates, BCS aspirants, and job seekers. All of them come with a shared ambition-to build a better future. This has led to a mushroom growth of hostels in the area. However, most of these hostels operate without government registration and fall far short of basic environmental and health standards. At the time of admission, hostel owners make lofty promises-hygienic food, clean rooms, uninterrupted Wi-Fi, and a secure atmosphere. However, the reality is a stark contrast. Students frequently fall ill after consuming watery lentils, spoiled rice, and nutritionally deficient vegetables. Complaints go unheeded, and instead, students face rude treatment and even humiliation. Despite such deplorable conditions, they are charged between Tk 6,000 and Tk 10,000 per month.

There is no proper regulation, no effective monitoring, and no sense of accountability. In these unsupervised and inhumane environments, the future professionals of our country-doctors, engineers, civil servants-are struggling to simply endure.

What is even more alarming is the complete absence of administrative oversight. These unacceptable conditions persist openly, right under the authorities' watch, yet no steps are taken to inspect or intervene. If today's youth are brought up amidst such neglect and mismanagement, it is not only they who will suffer-the nation as a whole will bear the consequences.

Progga Das

Student, Department of Economics

Eden Mohila College

proggadas2005@gmail.com