DE News Desk :
Students from Dhaka’s seven government colleges have issued a fresh ultimatum to the authorities, demanding the formation of an interim administrative body by Sunday to oversee their transition into an independent university.
Failure to do so, they warned, would prompt protests, including encircling the education, law, and other relevant ministries.
The demand was made at a press conference held on Saturday afternoon in front of Eden Mohila College.
Student representatives Tanzimul Abid of Dhaka College and Jafrin Akhter of Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College read out a joint statement on behalf of the movement advocating for the transformation.
The students are calling for an official ordinance by June 16 to establish the proposed institution — tentatively named Dhaka Central University — and ensure it functions as a fully autonomous university.
Jafrin pointed out that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had submitted a proposal for an interim authority back on February 25, aimed at managing academic and administrative operations following the colleges’ detachment from Dhaka University.
However, the proposal remains stalled.
“We’ve learned the file is pending approval at the Ministry of Public Administration,” Jafrin said, accusing the authorities of intentional delays.
“Despite the UGC preparing a name, logo, and operational model, nothing has moved forward. A four-month transition committee’s term expired on April 30, but our uncertainty continues.”
She also alleged a continued pattern of marginalisation.
“It’s as though the seven colleges are being deliberately sidelined at every turn.”
Tanzimul Abid outlined five core demands from the student body:A gazette notification forming the interim administration must be published by Sunday, May 18.
Following the interim authority’s appointment, an academic calendar must be issued to address the session backlog and resolve issues such as disputed results and excessive student fees.
The 2024–25 admission test schedule must be confirmed within two working days of forming the interim body.
The university’s outline, logo, and monogram must be unveiled within five working days.
An ordinance establishing the new university must be issued by June 16, and funding must be allocated in the upcoming 2025–26 national budget.
“If the interim body isn’t formed by May 18, we will resume our protests from the next day,” Tanzimul warned, adding that the movement would escalate to surrounding ministries if needed, though efforts would be made to minimise public inconvenience.
He also cited a recent assurance from Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud, who reportedly informed students on Friday night that the interim authority’s file has reached the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) after clearing the Ministry of Public Administration.
“We are willing to place our trust in the Planning Advisor’s words — but only until Sunday,” Tanzimul said.