LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
NU students facing myriad problems
Thursday, 20 November 2025
National University, the largest higher education institution in the country, serves students from remote villages to major cities. However, prolonged administrative inefficiency, session backlogs, delayed results, careless script evaluation and unreasonable fees have caused widespread frustration and anxiety among students.
Examinations are often conducted long after the scheduled time, with results taking three to six months, or even longer after re-evaluation requests, to be released. Shockingly, in 2025, students are still being asked to sit for 2023 exams, while 2024 exams may only be held by 2026. Such delays disrupt academic planning, limit employment opportunities and cause severe mental stress.
Financially, the burden is heavy. Board challenge or re-evaluation fees are BDT 1,200 per subject, with additional charges for form submission and grade improvement exams. In the era of online processes and digital management, such costs are unreasonable and unjustifiable.
Equally concerning is the quality of script evaluation. Many students face incorrect marking; in some cases, previously failed subjects are later upgraded to A+ or first-class after re-evaluation. Recently, only 68 per cent of fourth-year students passed their exams, while in some departments, up to 50 per cent failed a single subject despite passing all others. Students unable to afford re-evaluation fees are forced to repeat a year, adding further stress. Professional, attentive, and accountable evaluation is urgently needed.
These systemic failures result in session backlogs, wasted time and financial hardship for millions. When the nation's future depends on higher education, such inefficiency is unacceptable. Immediate reforms are essential: reduce re-evaluation fees, review form submission charges, conduct exams on time, publish results promptly and strengthen script evaluation standards. Prompt and effective measures are crucial to safeguard the future of students and the nation.
Raisul Islam Rifat
Student
Anandamohan College
National University