Students from most public universities began vacating their residence halls on Wednesday morning after the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced the closure of all public and private universities on Tuesday night.
The closure follows massive clashes that erupted across the country on Tuesday, as students demanded quota reforms. The violence left six people dead in Chattogram, Dhaka, and Rangpur.
At Dhaka University and Dhaka College, general students were seen leaving the halls in fear, although many of the active protesters were unwilling to leave.
Students expressed uncertainty and insecurity following the deaths, with many receiving calls from worried parents urging them to return home.
Our correspondent at Rajshahi University reports that an eerie silence prevailed on campus Wednesday, and common students began leaving the halls.
Rezwan, a student, said, "The environment on campus is not good. My parents are calling repeatedly from home. So, I’m leaving the campus. If normalcy returns, then I’ll think of coming back.”
Ramim, of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall, said, “I was out of the hall last night. I came to pack up my things. I’ll go home today.”
The UGC, under the direction of the government, announced on Tuesday night the indefinite closure of all public and private universities. The commission also instructed all universities to vacate their halls of residence for student safety.
The announcement, signed by UGC Secretary Ferdous Zaman, was made on Tuesday, July 16, at around 11:00 PM. According to the government’s decision, all public and private universities, as well as all affiliated colleges including medical, textile, engineering, and other colleges, will remain closed until further notice.
For the safety of the students, the commission directed all university authorities to vacate the halls of residence and ensure that students are moved to a safe place.
Earlier, the Ministry of Education issued a notice announcing the closure of all schools, colleges, madrasas, polytechnic institutes, and equivalent educational institutions indefinitely. The notification stated that the decision was made considering student safety.
Following this, the Bangladesh Inter-Education Board Coordinating Committee announced the suspension of all ongoing HSC and equivalent examinations scheduled for Thursday. Additionally, National University authorities announced the closure of all bachelor colleges affiliated with the university.