House tutors not in the house

The house tutors at the dormitories of Dhaka University are assigned to hear and solve problems of the residential students, as per the university ordinance.

However, finding them has become an ordeal for students as they are rarely available.

These tutors are responsible for the education and overall well-being of students. But they are hardly present at the dorms, while most of the students don't even know where to go when they are in trouble.

The 1973 DU ordinance directed the hall authorities "to supervise and control the residence, and discipline of the students of the university, to regulate their extra-curricular activities and to make arrangement for promoting their health."

However, it didn't specifically mention the responsibilities of house tutors.

But on March 27, the university authorities provided specific guidelines for house tutors, instructing them to be available at the dorm offices, to visit the floors (block) under them at least once in a week, and to hold at least one monthly views-exchange meeting with students.

The purpose of such meetings was to listen to students' problems and solve them.

There are around 150 house tutors in 13 male dormitories and 73 tutors in five female halls, according to the DU administration.

This correspondent asked at least 10 students of the Shahid ATM Jafor Alam block of the Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall about how many times their house tutor visited their blocks this year.

The respondents said the house tutor responsible for their floor, Rafat Alam Mishu, an assistant professor of the Bangla department, visited them only once since October last year.

"But it was not for hearing or solving our problems," said Imran Hossain, a master's student.

Contacted, Rafat Alam said though he could not visit his floor on a regular basis, he remains available at his office regularly. "My doors are always open to students," he said.

Interestingly, some students of the hall couldn't even tell the name of their house tutors.

Mustakim Rahman, a master's student of Zahurul Huq hall, said, "I saw our house tutor only three times in my five-year hall life."

''I can't even remember whether the house tutor visited my block... I don't even know who is the house tutor of my block," said Mohammad Hira Sarkar, a final-year student of the hall.

The provost of the hall, Dr Muhammad Abdur Rahim, claimed that the house tutors "try" to visit the halls regularly, but sometimes fail to make time out of their busy schedules.

This correspondent found the same status quo prevailing after visiting other male dorms.

Tawhid Hasan Duha, a final-year student of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, said the house tutors visit their dorms only once a year, when seats are re-allocated.

Seeking anonymity, a final-year student of the Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall said, "The seats are mainly distributed by the leaders of Chhatra League, not by house tutors."

Contacted, Touhid Hossain, a house tutor of the hall, denied the allegations. He, however, said there are "rooms for improvement".

FEMALE HALLS IN A BETTER STATE

The situation at the five female halls is somewhat better than that of the male halls, found this correspondent.

At least 10 students of the female halls told this newspaper that the house tutors visit the concerned block once or twice a month.

They said the teachers often call them to their offices to listen to their problems and allocate seats impartially, braving political influences.

Kanika Debnath, a final-year student of Sufia kamal Hall, said the house tutor of her block is sincere and seats are allocated fairly.

THE AUTHORITIES' TAKE

Prof Abdul Basir, convener of the provost standing committee, said though there was no written guideline for house tutors earlier, it is not the case anymore.

"A house tutor is provided with residential facilities and Tk 2,100 remuneration per month on top of their salaries. So, they should perform their duties properly," he added.

Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, vice-chancellor of the university, said, "The guidelines for house tutors did not exist in writings before. That's not the case anymore. Now, students can know about their rights, which will help them improve their residential life."

"If any inconsistency is noticed, students should complain to the hall authorities (provost) immediately," he added.