Students of 7 colleges announce non-stop sit-in seeking univ ordinance

Students from seven government colleges in Dhaka have announced a continuous sit-in programme in front of the Shikkha Bhaban from Sunday, December 7, if the authorities concerned do not issue the final ordinance of the proposed Dhaka Central University by Saturday, December 6.

Abdur Rahman, a student of Dhaka College, announced the fresh programme at a press conference in front of the College after a demonstration procession on Wednesday, December 3.

The process of forming an independent university with the seven colleges has made little progress, and difficulties are growing as the ordinance of the new proposed university has yet to be issued, he said.

"That is why we will observe a non-stop sit-in in front of the Shikkha Bhaban from Sunday, and the movement will continue until the ordinance is issued," Abdur Rahman added.

Earlier this afternoon, they blocked the road in front of Dhaka College, demanding the issuance of the final ordinance for the Dhaka Central University, causing traffic congestion in New Market area for several hours.

Protesters said they were forced to take to the streets as there was no visible progress in issuing the ordinance despite discussions with the Ministry of Education in three phases.

An Education Ministry notice issued on November 18 stated that the government decided in principle to establish the new public university, Dhaka Central University, comprising seven government colleges in Dhaka.

Earlier, on March 26 this year, the government announced the formation of the Dhaka Central University with seven government colleges of Dhaka ending their affiliation with the Dhaka University.

The seven colleges are Dhaka College, Eden Mahila College, Begum Badrunnessa Govt. Girls College, Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Govt. College, Government Titumir College, and Mirpur Bangla College.

NS/MSU