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In a rare move, the authorities of Dhaka Medical College (DMC) on Saturday declared the institution closed for an indefinite period, following an ongoing deadlock between students and administration over urgent renovation and infrastructure demands.
A formal notice, signed by DMC Principal Dr Md Kamrul Alam, announced that the closure will take effect from Sunday (June 22).
The announcement comes after weeks of unrest on campus, with students boycotting classes since May 28 to press home a five-point demand centring on hazardous accommodation and stalled development projects.
According to the notice, all students have been instructed to vacate their dormitories by 12 noon Sunday. However, professional MBBS examinees and foreign students have been exempted from the directive.
The decision to halt academic operations was taken during an emergency meeting of the college's academic council on Saturday.
Talking to UNB, Principal Kamrul Alam explained the rationale behind the move, "Students have been asked to vacate the halls for a short period to avoid any potential risks. It is not possible to implement renovation demands so quickly. Therefore, until an alternative arrangement is made, the directive to leave the halls remains in effect."
He went on to say, "A few times in the past, the halls were closed due to clashes between groups or for other reasons. But this is the first time it's happening due to renovation demands. The orientation programme has also been boycotted, which is deeply unfortunate. It's something students usually look forward to, yet this time they chose to boycott it. I believe they might have been incited to do so."
Students Stand Their Ground
Students, however, are refusing to leave. Many have criticised the closure as an evasion of accountability and a disregard for their living conditions.
"We've been boycotting classes since May 28. Nearly seven months ago, the PWD declared the entire Fazle Rabbi Hall building as hazardous," said Arupon Barua, a second-year student.
Fourth-year student Abdullah Noman was more defiant, saying, "We reject the directive to vacate the halls. If our five-point demand is not met, we will announce our next course of action."
Even final-year students preparing for crucial examinations have joined the protests.
"No student currently in session will leave the hall," said Neela from Dr Aleem Chowdhury Hall.
Another student from the same hall, Zobaida, echoed the sentiment.
Five-Point Demand
The protesting students have laid out five key demands:
Urgent approval of a budget for constructing a new dormitory and female hall.
Immediate alternative housing arrangements until new accommodations are completed.
A separate budget for the construction of a new academic building.
Prompt and visible action following the passing of separate budgets for all required facilities.
Appointment of student representatives to ensure transparency and monitor progress.
A Legacy at Crossroads
Founded in 1946, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) is one of the country's premier institutions for medical education and tertiary healthcare. With over 1300 undergraduates and nearly 1000 postgraduates, DMC annually admits about 230 MBBS students.
The college's closure marks a rare and disruptive episode in its storied history.
As DMC shutters its doors amid growing student resistance, questions loom in public mind over how long the stalemate will last and whether the demands for safety and accountability will finally be addressed.