‘No convocation for us’

When students of East West University found that their convocation will be held virtually, they were disappointed.

Though they will miss the opportunity to receive their certificates from teachers, stand beside their peers joyously and most importantly see the proud smile of their parents -- all wearing gowns and caps, they understood that it was perhaps for the best, given the situation.

At least they will have their convocation attires with them as a memory, they thought.

It seems even that dream will remain unfulfilled as the university authorities have decided to distribute gowns only to award winning students and those who reside in the capital, said the graduating students.

They said the university authorities, however, took Tk 5,000 as registration fee from all students.

Amid such a situation, the university is all set to hold its 20th convocation virtually today, raising discontent among students.

According to the university website, the authorities took the money as registration fee and 1,551 graduating students signed up for the convocation.

Students have been protesting the move ever since the announcement of virtual convocation on July 8.

A section of students also took to social media to express their frustration, terming the university decision "unfair and discriminatory".

Students wrote letters to the university authorities and University Grant Commission (UGC), demanding postponement of the convocation or refunding them the registration fee.

They said they paid the fee for a physical convocation.

"It's a dream for all of us to attend our convocation wearing gowns… We want to see the pride in our parents' eyes as we receive our certificates. But the authorities decided to give the gowns to only those with scholastic achievements and Dhaka residents," said a BBA graduate from the marketing department.

The student also said most of them are back in their village homes now. "There will be no ceremony for us."

The student said the fee -- for venue, gowns, souvenirs, sound system and all other activities -- was taken from them to arrange the programme. "But how much money do they need to hold an online event?"

Contacted, Vice Chancellor Prof MM Shahidul Hassan said they prepared new gowns and repaired some, but couldn't distribute those among all the students because of the lockdown situation.

"But all students will get an opportunity for photo-ops, wearing gowns, which are the main attraction for them, after the pandemic. We have alternative plans and will announce them later," he added.

"We would have been happy if we could have held an in-person programme, but it's not possible now," he added.

About the registration fee, he said, "We are using software for webinar which is very expensive. We also had to upgrade and strengthen our technical support and buy new computers to hold the convocation smoothly."

Students will get expensive gifts, brochures and others items like the participants of previous convocation got, he added.

The university issued the notice of "Application for Graduation" twice on February 3 and May 7, where they didn't mention about the online convocation.

The convocation will be held at 3pm. Education Minister Dipu Moni will preside over the event and confer degrees to the graduating students.

UGC member Prof Biswajit Chanda will deliver the convocation speech.