Almost each of the universities in the country is inflicted with the ‘Ganaroom’ culture where a large number of newly admitted students are crammed into a single room in the university’s residential halls.
It can be said that the ‘Ganaroom’ and ‘Guestroom’ culture has become a common practice in the public universities, including Dhaka University.
The authorities of some public universities on several occasions have said that they would abolish the so-called ‘Ganaroom’ and ‘Guestroom’ culture. In the latest development, the authorities of Comilla University (CoU) have said that they would bring an end to the ‘Ganaroom’ culture in the university.
In an emergency meeting with hall provosts and proctors of the Comilla University (CoU) on September 5, the university administration took a total of eight decisions, including the closure of the ‘Ganaroom’ culture. According to the decision, only valid students can stay in the hall.
CoU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. AFM Abdul Moyeen presided over the meeting.
The decisions of the meeting were confirmed in a circular signed by Registrar (acting) Amirul Haque Chowdhury on Tuesday (September 12).
The decisions mentioned in the notification are that only regular and valid students can stay in the hall. Necessary measures would be taken regarding beautification and cleanliness of all halls. Guest rooms/Ganarooms must be closed immediately.
Besides, those who do not have student status will not be able to stay in the hall. Seat allocation will be as per the policy. The results of the post graduate examination will be sent to the halls by the Controller of Examinations. Hall administration will take immediate action to solve any problem.
Provost of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall of CoU Dr. Mihir Lal Bhowmik said, “Seat allocation policy has been formulated. It will be implemented soon.”
When asked about the students of the new batches, he said, “Their seats have not been allotted yet. They will not be able to stay in the hall until they get the allotment.”
CoU VC Professor Dr. AFM Abdul Moyeen said, “The welfare of the students is my goal. A student living in the Ganaroom will feel smaller than himself. As a result, he will not get the confidence to do something big. Besides, if it is unclean, everyone’s health will be at risk. All in all, the decision has been taken for the welfare of the students.”
