Spread across 2,312 acres of verdant hills and natural beauty, the University of Chittagong (CU) is renowned for its expansive campus, vibrant student community, and the country’s sole shuttle train service.
Beneath this appealing surface, however, students face persistent challenges regarding academic facilities, research opportunities, accommodation, transport, and administrative management.
Every morning, students head to libraries and departmental buildings for classes and examinations, with many commuting from the city via the shuttle train.
Yet, students across various departments report that the academic environment has failed to keep pace with their needs.
They cite inadequate research facilities, a shortage of modern laboratory equipment, delays in publishing examination results, limited residential capacity, and transport issues as their primary concerns.
Faiza Usman Tusti, a student from the 2024-25 academic session in the Department of Political Science, noted that she had anticipated a modern educational experience upon joining CU.
“However, there are no digital classroom facilities. Even presentations cannot consistently be delivered using modern technology,” she explained.
Students also raised concerns regarding research opportunities and laboratory provisions.
Undergraduates within the Faculty of Science stated that numerous laboratories lack essential equipment and chemical reagents, whilst also highlighting restricted access to international journals.
Mahfuzur Rahman, a fourth-year Mathematics student, pointed out that several senior cohorts in his department are still awaiting graduation, whereas peers at other universities have already moved forward.
“We face various constraints in laboratory facilities and course management,” he added.
Akhi, a Chemistry student, noted that whilst laboratory facilities are available to some degree, the pedagogical methods employed by certain teaching staff remain a point of concern.
Library struggles to digitise
Students further alleged that the university’s central library has yet to fully adopt a modern management system.
Information regarding numerous volumes has not been integrated into the digital database, making it difficult for students to locate essential texts.
Azim Sagar, a master’s student in the Department of Anthropology and vice-president of the Chittagong University Journalists’ Association, explained that many titles have not been catalogued electronically.
“Books listed as available online often cannot be located physically on the shelves. Furthermore, the library website is rarely updated,” he said.
Only 6,000 out 30,000 students get accommodation
Accommodation presents another critical challenge.
The university offers residential facilities for just over 6,000 students out of a total population nearing 30,000.
Consequently, the vast majority must commute from off-campus locations.
Given the university’s heavy reliance on the shuttle train service, any disruption to scheduling directly impacts students’ academic routines.
Kona Mahajon, a student in the Department of Communication and Journalism, noted that overcrowding and delays have become routine.
“Overcrowded carriages, erratic departure schedules, and safety issues are now a daily reality,” she said.
Delayed results, disruptive schedules
The delayed publication of examination results remains another widespread complaint.
Although many departments operate on an annual academic system, students report that results frequently take six months or longer to be released.
They emphasize that these delays hamper their preparation for further study or employment.
Mozahidul Islam, a master’s student in Political Science, observed that irregular lectures by some staff, incomplete syllabuses, and delayed results severely disrupt students’ career prospects.
“These issues create substantial obstacles for our future plans,” he remarked.
The absence of a Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) has also left the campus without a designated hub for cultural and social activity.
Leaders of student clubs and societies noted that administrative hurdles and insufficient backing hinder numerous student initiatives.
Ibrahim Hossain Roni, vice-president of the CU Central Students’ Union (CUCSU), stated that they are actively collaborating with the administration to tackle these concerns, “We are working in coordination with the administration to resolve student issues. Hopefully, we will address several critical matters very soon.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chittagong, Professor Dr Mohammad Al-Forkan, confirmed that efforts are underway to refine the academic setting, “Work is in progress to ensure a suitable educational environment for students. Measures are actively being taken to resolve existing problems.”
Students remain hopeful that the university will build upon its picturesque setting and rich heritage by enhancing research infrastructure, modernising teaching practices, and fostering a more supportive campus environment.
