Unfair practices targeting university admission seekers

As the RU admission test for the 2023-24 academic year approaches on March 5, 6 and 7, a pervasive challenge extends beyond the examination hall for candidates. The journey to the exam centre is fraught with the inconvenience of skyrocketing transportation costs: train tickets vanish within minutes of release, while bus fares and auto-rickshaw rates surge three to five times their usual, placing an undue burden on admission seekers.
The influx of almost 2 lakh students exacerbates the accommodation crisis, manipulated by the Mess Owners Association, which charges exorbitant charges for per night stay, reaching up to Tk. 500. This exploitation extends to residential hotels, increasing rents several times higher. Seizing the opportunity, unscrupulous food vendors inflate prices by 5 to 10 times, compromising both affordability and quality.
On-campus shops, seemingly shielded from scrutiny, engage in overcharging compared to their off-campus counterparts. Unfortunately, this exploitation often slips under the radar of the administration, allowing these practices to persist unchecked. Urgent and decisive action is imperative to alleviate the undue suffering of admission candidates, ensuring fairness and affordable access during this crucial academic juncture. The present circumstances demand a swift response to uphold the principles of fairness and equal opportunity in education. By the look of things, it seems there is no one to safeguard the interest of admission seekers. We hope the concerned university authorities will look into this matter and take necessary steps.

Md Tarek Ali
Student, Department of Sociology
University of Rajshahi
[email protected]