Students from seven Dhaka University-affiliated colleges blocked the Science Lab intersection at 12:15 p.m. today in protest of their institutions’ lack of an independent university.
Witnesses report that the blockade is still stopping vehicle traffic through the Science Lab intersection.
Around 11:00 a.m., the students assembled on the campus of Dhaka College. Witnesses claimed that later, they took to the streets and blocked the busy intersection.
“For seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University, we have been advocating for the establishment of a separate university.” We have been facing academic challenges and experiencing stagnation. We had previously demanded the resolution of the issues. However, we now demand the cancellation of our affiliation with DU. Dhaka College student and movement organizer Nayim Hawlader added, “We urged the respective authorities and the government to make immediate decisions in this regard.”
A draft proposal from the commission within 30 days, the immediate creation of a commission to establish a university for the seven affiliated colleges, and a guarantee from Dhaka University that there won’t be any session jams until the new university is established are also among their demands.
