Fiber optic has been installed across the campus. That connection is spread over wireless technology through routers. This is how the resident students of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) of Gopalganj have connected themselves with the whole world. But they are suffering from repeated disconnection and slowness of internet. Especially, even though there are connections in the computer labs of various departments, there is not sufficient internet facility due to slow speed. According to sources, guest teachers in many departments give classes online due to shortage of teachers. But due to the slowness of the internet, the resident students are also suffering in the normal education program.
Aggrieved students complain that they have to pay 200 taka per semester for computer and internet services. But due to slowness, extra time is being spent on urgent works. WiFi disconnects repeatedly while in use. Situation is a bit better in administrative buildings but not in academic buildings.
Rezwan Amin, a student of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience Department commented, ‘Though there is Wi-Fi connection in the campus, but it is of no use. Repeated disconnections take place. Intermittent connection is available but unable to browse internet. In case of emergency, you have to buy data on mobile phone and use internet. Even after paying the fixed fee every semester, such a situation is totally unacceptable.’
Not only the students but also the teachers have reported this suffering. Assistant Professor of Political Science Department Abu Saleh said, ‘Internet service is one of the infrastructure facilities that science and technology universities need to have. But sadly, the truth is that this facility is totally inadequate in our university. Waiting for hours to check an email. The internet service of the university is very important for the academic needs as well as for the work related to the production of results.
He said, due to the slow speed of internet connection, all these academic activities cannot be done properly. This plight of internet connectivity in a science and technology university is unacceptable. While the size of academic buildings has increased, Internet bandwidth has not. As a result, it is normal that the previous connection will not be able to provide the service as per the demand.
Ripon Bairagi, Senior Network Technician of ICT Cell, said, “In 2015, a contract of 400 Mbps was signed with BDREN (Bangladesh Research Education Network) when asked about the slowness of internet despite charging fees every semester. But the increase in the number of buildings and students is the main cause of this problem. We have given the letter and the agreement is done. 750 Mbps will be launched from next year.