Dhaka University's 1,000 Taka 'Honorarium': Students Call It Disrespect, Demand Increase

Dhaka University (DU) has long provided short-term part-time jobs to a limited number of underprivileged meritorious students through its Student Advisory and Counseling Office, aiming to help them adjust to campus life and offer financial aid. However, the monthly stipend—merely 1,000 taka—is criticized as "disrespect in the name of honorarium" by many.

The initiative falls short in addressing financial distress, as DU has 37,000 students, a large portion facing economic hardship, yet only 100-150 get these opportunities annually, with no visible effort to raise the amount despite repeated demands.

The program isn't limited to students; faculty face similar issues. DU appoints multiple student advisors per department/institute and house tutors for halls, all receiving just 1,000-1,400 taka monthly, prompting questions about when DU will break free from this "1,000-taka ceiling."

A DU teacher told *The Daily Campus*, “Without proper valuation, faculty will lose interest. It's been discussed in meetings, but budget constraints are cited as the excuse.”

Sources indicate the office recruits 75 students twice a year (January-June and July-December) for tasks like hall assistance (19-20), library branches (20-25), registrar records (10-15), and counseling (30-35), all at 1,000 taka.

Hall assistants coordinate with officials; library recruits work 30 hours monthly; registrar staff enter at least 300 names; psychology majors in counseling handle 60 clients or 90 sessions over six months; advisory office aides assist 30 hours.

Before 2015, the stipend was 500 taka; the syndicate raised it to 1,000, but it's still deemed inadequate, with calls for hikes ignored.

Pali and Buddhist Studies student Md. Ashikur Rahman Rafi shared with *The Daily Campus*, “Coming from a rural background, I know the need for tuition or part-time jobs. Language, culture, or history majors struggle more without multiple tuitions. This initiative is praiseworthy, but 1,000 taka is practically useless today—it's disrespect disguised as honorarium.”

He added, “They aim for financial stability, but what can a student do with 1,000 taka amid current costs? It seems like empty rhetoric. With 37,000 students, limiting to 150 yearly at this rate is regrettable. Advanced countries offer respectable pay for student work; when will DU follow?”

Md. Mojahidul Islam, a 2020-21 Islamic Studies student and former Hajji Muhammad Muhsin Hall assistant, said, “The stipend is too low. DU's goal is to aid underprivileged students, but 1,000 taka barely covers basics when 4,000 is needed monthly. It's not truly supportive for independence alongside studies.”

Former Political Science student advisor and Hajji Muhammad Muhsin Hall senior house tutor Professor Dr. Md. Ainul Islam told *The Daily Campus*, “Student advisors and house tutors get similar low amounts, which is unfair. They perform valuable duties; the administration should rethink it, considering budget capacity.”

He noted, “Without valuation, faculty will become reluctant. It's been raised in meetings, but dismissed due to funds. During Professor Akhtaruzzaman's VC tenure, a syndicate proposal was questioned instead of considered.”

DU Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahammad said, “As far as I know, the office provides stipends to underprivileged students for short-term jobs per policy. I'm unaware of recent increases or new decisions since becoming registrar, but we can inquire further. It's handled by the Student Advisory and Counseling Office.”

Acting Director Professor Dr. Mehjabin Haque responded, “1,000 taka is indeed inadequate—we recognize it. We've discussed hikes for years, but budget and UGC approval issues hinder progress. It's not just students; student advisors' stipend has been 1,000 for 10 years despite heavy duties. We demanded 2,000, but it didn't happen.”

She added, “Counselors for mental health get the same, with high pressure. I can't do more than my capacity.”

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed said, “1,000 taka is too low in today's world—it needs raising. Everything changes with time; this must too, considering DU's financial ability. We'll act when and as much as required.”