ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY, Kushtia, Sept 21, 2025 (BSS)- Responding to a longstanding demand, the Islamic University authorities in April this year decided to distribute smart RFID-based central ID cards among all students, teachers, officers, and employees. 

However, even after nearly five months, the administration has yet to complete the distribution, drawing sharp criticism from the general students.
 
According to university sources, around 16,000 students are currently enrolled at this University. Of them, only about 1,800 first-year students of the 2023–24 academic session have so far received smart ID cards. Yet, multiple errors have already been detected. In some cases, scanning the QR code of one student’s card displayed the information of another. Students also reported that the RFID technology embedded in the cards failed to function. Moreover, many expressed dissatisfaction with the card’s design.
 
The absence of a central ID card has created various difficulties for students. On the Kushtia–Jhenaidah campus route, bus conductors often deny students half-fare rides since they cannot provide valid IDs. 

Meanwhile, outsiders and non-students reportedly gain unrestricted entry into the campus, raising serious concerns over security. Furthermore, students are being denied educational discounts and online access on learning platforms, as the low-quality cards often get rejected.
 
Maimuna Akhi, a first-year student of the Department of Information and Communication Technology department under 2023–24 session said, “We were all excited to receive the ID card. But when I scanned my ID’s QR code, it showed another classmate’s information instead of mine. Later, I found out that nearly ten students in my class faced the same issue. The authorities should be more careful in this matter.”
 
Solaiman Talukder, a final-year student of the Department of Law under 2019–20 session said, “My student life is almost over, and throughout our student life we have faced problems due to the absence of a central ID card. We have to carry different types of cards for medical center, library, and residential halls. We have been demanding a central ID card since our first year. Though the administration finally agreed, we still haven’t received it. Perhaps I will finish my student life without ever having one.”

He further added, “We want the university administration to immediately provide central ID cards to all students. It is not just a demand, but a right.”
 
When contacted, ICT Cell Director Prof. Dr. Shahjahan Ali said, “We have already distributed ID cards among the students of the 2023-24 academic session. The cards for the 2024-25 session will be prepared once we receive their roll numbers.”

Regarding the remaining batches, he stated, “For now, we have been instructed to prepare for the next session. A complete decision on senior batches has not yet reached us. If such a decision comes, we will also issue cards to them.”
 
On the issue of errors, he claimed, “We have not received any such complaints so far. If anyone comes forward with a problem, we will resolve it. From our end, the RFID readers we use have shown no issues. However, some apps may not be able to read such data properly.”