7-college students block Science Lab, demand separate university
A group of students from seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University blocked the Science Lab intersection in the capital on Tuesday, demanding the establishment of a separate public university.
The students from Dhaka College marched to Science Lab and began their sit-in protest around 12:15 pm, halting traffic in the surrounding areas.
The students said they are protesting for a justified demand—the establishment of an independent public university. They rejected the formation of a reform commission by the Ministry of Education in place of any concrete steps toward creating the university. They added, "We want necessary steps to be taken promptly to establish a public university. We have taken to the streets as a last resort."
Tushar Hossain, a student from Dhaka College, said, "For several days, we have submitted memorandums to the government and other relevant authorities to support our demand, but no steps have been taken to form a separate university. The students are on the streets because of this delay. We want our demand to be accepted swiftly."
Earlier, on September 22, students held a press conference at Dhaka College to highlight the issues faced by the seven colleges. They subsequently submitted a memorandum to Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud on September 25, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan on September 29, and UGC Chairman Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz. The same memorandum was also given to the principals of the respective colleges.
On October 22, the students once again blocked the Nilkhet and Science Lab intersections. The protest, held from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, concluded with a three-point demand and a 24-hour ultimatum issued at the Science Lab intersection. The protest was suspended for the day following the announcement. In response, the Ministry of Education formed a 13-member committee to address the academic and administrative issues of the seven colleges. The committee was directed to submit a report with necessary recommendations within six weeks.
