1. A Warning Signal from International Rankings

According to the World University Rankings 2027 published by the UK-based Times Higher Education (THE), the University of Dhaka has fallen to the 1001–1200 band. Meanwhile, North South University, Daffodil International University, and AIUB are positioned in the 801–1000 band. BRAC University is placed in the same band as the University of Dhaka.

THE’s assessment takes into account the teaching environment, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook. However, in the QS World University Rankings 2027, the University of Dhaka remains among the world’s top 600 institutions. This discrepancy demonstrates that, when evaluating ranking results, it is essential to consider the relevant ranking organisation and its methodology.

2. Why Has Progress Remained Limited Despite DUCSU’s Initiatives?

In its one-year activity report published in September 2026, the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) reported undertaking more than 1,000 initiatives across 41 areas. These initiatives include accommodation, reading rooms, transportation, student safety, and increased allocations for research and higher education. DUCSU leaders have identified administrative non-cooperation and the lack of budgetary allocations as obstacles to implementation.

However, an increase in the number of initiatives does not necessarily translate into an improvement in the quality of education. Several factors need to be considered to understand why DUCSU’s efforts have failed to deliver the desired outcomes.

First, a lack of administrative coordination: Many initiatives are difficult to implement without university approval, funding, and cooperation from the relevant departments. In the absence of effective coordination between DUCSU and the university administration, plans to address students’ problems may become stalled.

Second, a mismatch in priorities: Expected improvements cannot be achieved if excessive attention is devoted to infrastructure projects while fundamental problems, such as student accommodation, food quality, safety, and regular classroom teaching, remain unresolved. Reports published on the implementation of DUCSU’s electoral pledges have also highlighted the persistence of problems relating to accommodation and food quality.

Third, questions of funding and accountability: Transparency regarding the sources of funding, expenditure records, administrative approvals, and long-term maintenance of projects undertaken by DUCSU is essential. The university administration has raised questions concerning the approval and financial accounting of some of DUCSU’s infrastructure initiatives. If these disputes remain unresolved, the effectiveness and credibility of the initiatives may be undermined.

Fourth, limitations on DUCSU’s authority: DUCSU can play an important role in safeguarding students’ rights and welfare; however, it does not possess full authority over faculty recruitment, research funding, academic policy, or comprehensive administrative reform at the university. Consequently, improving international rankings through DUCSU’s efforts alone is not possible.

3. The Way Forward: Effective Initiatives Through Shared Responsibilities

DUCSU, the university administration, and the faculty must work together in a coordinated manner to improve the University of Dhaka’s standing.

(1). Responsibilities of DUCSU: Establish priorities for improving accommodation, food quality, reading rooms, safety, and opportunities for student participation in research, and publish regular progress reports.

(2). Responsibilities of the University Administration: Increase investment in research, ensure transparency in faculty recruitment, establish modern research laboratories, and expand international collaboration.

(3). Joint Initiatives: Develop a time-bound action plan involving representatives of DUCSU and the university administration, together with a mechanism for regular progress reviews.

(4). Financial Accountability: Ensure the disclosure of information concerning funding sources, expenditure, approvals, and audit findings for all projects.

(5). Evidence-Based Analysis of Rankings: Analyse the indicators used by THE, QS, and other relevant assessment frameworks separately to identify weaknesses in research, the teaching environment, and international collaboration.

4. Administrative Commitment Is Essential

Improving the University of Dhaka’s standing is beyond the capacity of any single organisation. Although DUCSU’s initiatives are important, they cannot deliver the desired results without administrative coordination, appropriate prioritisation, transparent financial management, and academic reform.

International rankings should not be treated as the ultimate measure of truth; rather, they should be regarded as indicators of institutional development. At the same time, instead of relying on historical prestige, the university must ensure tangible progress in research, innovation, educational quality, and student welfare.

DUCSU’s initiatives are necessary to advance the University of Dhaka, administrative commitment is indispensable, and sustained investment in research and academic excellence will provide the foundation for genuine change.

*[The author, Professor M. A. Barnik, is a distinguished defence analyst and international geopolitical observer. In the modernisation of the education system, he subscribes to the educational philosophy of the American educational psychologist G. Stanley Hall.]*