Demand from Dhaka Central University: Protest and Sit-in by Students of 7 Colleges in the Capital

Students held a protest march and a peaceful sit-in at Science Lab intersection demanding the swift issuance of the ordinance for the proposed ‘Dhaka Central University,’ which is planned to be formed by uniting seven government colleges in the capital.

Over a hundred students from these seven government colleges participated in the program held on Wednesday afternoon. They demanded that it is time to move away from the affiliated structure and obtain an independent identity. They also claimed that being known as the “7 Colleges” has long caused an identity crisis among the students.

Afzal Hossain, an English department student of Dhaka College, said, “We have been demanding an independent university for a long time. Now that the government is moving towards establishing Dhaka Central University, we want the ordinance to be issued quickly. Otherwise, admission procedures and administrative structures will remain uncertain.”

According to the students, the term ‘affiliated’ does not align with their dignity and self-identity. Many view it as discriminatory and degrading. They believe the naming of the new university is not just an administrative decision but also reflects the students’ long struggle and expectations.

Government sources revealed that the ordinance will be implemented in five phases. In the first phase, the University Grants Commission (UGC) will prepare a draft, which will then be reviewed by the Ministry of Law, Ministry of Education, the advisory council, and finally approved by the President before being published as a gazette notification. However, students fear that administrative complications and delays during these phases could affect the new academic year.

Several students participating in the protest said that if the ordinance is delayed, admission processes, teacher recruitment, and administrative structures will all fall into uncertainty. Therefore, the ordinance must be issued within the scheduled time without delay.

The peaceful conclusion of today’s program saw students urging the government to ensure the university’s implementation does not suffer from bureaucratic sluggishness. They also warned of continuous protests if necessary.