Curse of session jam in universities

In Bangladesh, session jam at universities has become a major issue. Session jam refers to the inability of students to complete their studies within the stipulated time, resulting in prolonged academic years. This causes mental and financial stress for students and delays their readiness for careers or permanently bar from some. When students first arrive at university, they often dream of climbing the ladder to success. Parents and family members also harbour high hopes. However, students' dreams turn into nightmares when these hopes are thwarted by session jam.
The impact of political unrest, such as the six-point, nine-point, and one-point movements, along with the month-long quota reform movement, has further complicated the situation. Thousands of students and young people, eager to rebuild the nation after the overthrow of the dictator, now face extreme unrest in universities. Naturally, after the end of the agitation and the formation of the interim government, universities should have insisted on reopening campuses and resuming classes and examinations. However, following the fall of the Awami League administration, various university vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors, treasurers, and even hall provosts resigned, leaving university campuses effectively leaderless. In this situation, students are fearing for their security.
Though some students have returned to their universities, lectures and exams are still not taking place. The deans' committee, under pressure from the general students, has held several meetings but has yet to make any significant decisions. As a result, students are increasingly becoming fearful of session jams.
Normally, completion of graduation should take four years, but in certain departments, it takes six or even eight years. This uncertainty is causing students significant stress and frustration. Many are anxious about their future, and academic performance is also affected, with some students experiencing heightened anxiety. The financial strain on students' families is exacerbated by increased tuition fees, housing costs, and other expenses.
Financial difficulties often make it challenging for students to complete their studies. As a result, many fall into depression, and some even consider suicide due to the inability to cope with their circumstances. Several specialists have identified session jam as one of the main reasons behind suicides among students of higher education.
To address these issues, it is critical to streamline administrative processes, facilitate teacher conciliation, reform university academic calendars, enforce their strict observance, and provide proper learning environments. Universities must act swiftly to clear the backlog from previous sessions and activate their administration to resume academic activities.

Shetu Khanam
Student
Department of Public Administration
Islamic University, Kushtia
[email protected]