7 colleges’ issue can be resolved through dialogue: Jahangir

The ongoing issue between Dhaka University and its seven affiliated colleges can be resolved through dialogue, said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

Speaking to the media after a meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, the adviser stated, "I believe the problem can be resolved through discussions. Everyone needs to be patient. If we lose patience, no solution will be reached. We must handle these matters with patience." He also mentioned that he had spoken with law enforcement agencies to ensure calm.

Jahangir urged students to resolve the issue through dialogue, emphasising, "We request the students to address the problem with patience and through discussions." He advised against blocking roads, saying, "If there is any protest, it would be better to hold it in designated areas, such as Suhrawardy Udyan, rather than blocking roads. Roadblocks cause traffic jams and inconvenience the public."

However, the students issued a four-hour ultimatum to Dr. Mamun Ahmed, the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Dhaka University, demanding his resignation. They also called for severing all academic and administrative ties between Dhaka University and the seven colleges within 24 hours and the formulation of a roadmap to establish an independent university.

This action followed allegations that Mamun Ahmed mistreated students when they visited his office on Sunday. In protest, students staged a sit-in under the Nilkhet Arch, where they were reportedly attacked by Dhaka University students and police.