Restore rule of law in university dorms

First-year students come to universities envisioning spacious campus, big dormitories and decent residential facilities. But, as far as managing a seat in the dorm is concerned, their dream shatters into pieces as soon as they step into the campus due to seat crisis in residential halls. This crisis could still be mitigated if proper initiatives were taken to manage the existing accommodation facilities.
It is no secret that in many university halls across the country, students continue to reside in the dorms even after completing their graduation and post-graduation. Typically, postgraduate students are relatively financially stable from their involvement with tuition, part-time jobs, and other endeavours. Conversely, freshers who have just secured admission face challenges in securing tuition, part-time jobs, and other employment opportunities in unfamiliar areas of the city.
Due to the financial constraints of some students, they struggle to continue their studies while residing in messes or rented accommodations off campus. Furthermore, universities located far from urban centres make it difficult for students to access tuition or employment opportunities. In such cases, if university and hall administrations could provide residential facilities, it would alleviate their financial burden to a great extent.
However, it is often observed that although there are vacant seats in residential halls, they are not allocated to new students, as they are illegally occupied by seniors, political activists and even outsiders.
It raises questions as to why the administration continues to bear responsibility for students even after the conclusion of their studies. Allocating residential seats to freshers on a priority basis would not only provide them with accommodation but also enable them to focus more on their study. It is, therefore, imperative for the authorities concerned to ensure residential facilities for freshers.

Faruk Mahmud
Student
Department of English
University of Dhaka