The government is set to form a committee within seven working days to assess the feasibility of converting Government Titumir College into a university.
The committee will evaluate the viability of the transformation, focusing on infrastructure, resources, and academic potential.
Special Assistant to the Education Adviser, Professor M Aminul Islam, shared this development following a meeting with students of Titumir College at the Ministry of Education on Tuesday (November 19).
Professor Aminul Islam acknowledged the challenges of such a conversion, saying, "Transforming a college into a university is not an easy task. However, Dhaka North currently lacks a university, and Titumir College’s 10-acre campus offers a foundation for consideration."
The committee’s findings will guide the government’s decision-making on whether Titumir College can fulfill the requirements to operate as a university.
Students of Titumir College have been demonstrating for two months, demanding its conversion into a university. The protests intensified on Monday (November 18) when students blocked roads and railways in the Mohakhali Railgate area, leading to significant disruptions. During the blockade, bricks and stones were thrown at a passing train, injuring several people, including women and children. After five hours, the students ended their protest at 4 pm.
Following an unsuccessful meeting with Ministry of Education officials on Monday afternoon, a 14-member student delegation announced further demonstrations. On Tuesday (November 19), police and army personnel took positions near the college’s main gate to prevent another road and railway blockade. However, tensions rose as students objected to the police presence, leading to their withdrawal by 10:30 am.
In response to the mounting pressure, the students shifted their approach, opting for a peaceful sit-in on campus from 11 am to 5 pm.