Sharafat Hossain, CoU Correspondent
Student ID cards issued by Comilla University (CoU) are not providing any digital services. As smart ID cards have not been introduced, students have to use separate cards to access services including the library and transportation. Even scanning the QR code printed on the back of the ID card does not display any student information. Students have expressed frustration that, even after two decades since the university’s establishment, the institution remains dependent on an analogue ID card system.
An examination of the university’s current ID card shows that the front contains the student’s photo, name, ID number, roll number, academic session, department, blood group and hall name. A QR code appears on the back. However, scanning the code does not display any information, leaving no immediate way to verify the identity or authenticity of the information printed on the card.
The current ID card also cannot be used to access university library services. Students have to obtain a separate paper library card. Recently, the university’s transport pool also announced plans to introduce transport cards to ensure safer travel for students and prevent the occupation of bus seats. As a result, a single student may have to carry several cards, including an ID card, library card and transport card.
Students say that in a technology-driven era, a university ID card should serve more than just as proof of identity. A smart card could be used not only to verify a student’s identity but also to access library, medical, transport and online payment services. At CoU, however, separate systems are currently used for these services.
Expressing frustration over the usefulness of the ID card, Atikur Rahman Raihan, a student of the Department of Law, said, “The ID card issued by the university is of no practical use to us. Apart from helping students who tutor outside the university prove their student status, it serves almost no purpose. In this era, one card should be enough to access facilities such as the library, medical services and online payments, as we see at other universities.”
He said the existing ID card should be converted into a smart card so that students can access various university services through a single card.
On the issue, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Amjad Hossain Sarker said, “We have only recently taken charge, and I was not aware of this issue. It is good that you brought it to my attention. When a student’s ID card is scanned, all of the student’s information should be displayed. I will discuss the matter with the hall provosts and other relevant officials.”
He added, “There is now discussion of issuing separate cards for the library and transportation. Students also face difficulties when paying semester fees. We will also look into whether these services can be provided through a single card.”