Dhaka Central University: Students call protest on Wednesday to demand ordinance

Students from seven government colleges in the capital have called for a protest on Wednesday to demand the swift issuance of an ordinance to upgrade these institutions into Dhaka Central University.

They are seeking the issuance of the ordinance by August.

In addition, they have requested the immediate publication of the university's certificate and logo.

The protest by the movement advocating for the transformation of the seven colleges into a university has been scheduled outside Dhaka College, bdnews24.com reports.

Naeem Howlader, a student representative of the movement, said on Tuesday: “Gradually, the proposed Dhaka Central University is becoming visible. Admission applications for the new academic year have already begun. The entrance exam will be held this August.

“On Monday, the government took the most significant step yet on the proposed Dhaka Central University. Breaking a long silence, it presented the outline of the new university before the nation. We consider this step by the government a major milestone. We thank the government for this.”

The Dhaka College student added, “However, students’ most pressing demands, such as the university’s ordinance, certificate, and logo, have been strategically avoided. Although there was a mention of a September date for the ordinance, no specific timeline was provided.

“Even after several ultimatums for the ordinance, the authorities have not responded. We fear there may be intentional delays on the issue.”

He noted that students are growing angry as there is no clear message about the ordinance in the government’s briefing.

“So, per our previously announced ultimatum, we are calling for a peaceful protest on Wednesday to demand the immediate issuance of the ordinance, the release of the certificate and logo, and the full implementation of Dhaka Central University.

“The programme will begin at 11:00 am in front of Dhaka College, and the next steps will be announced after the protest,” he added.

The government has announced the formation of Dhaka Central University in a “hybrid model” comprising seven government colleges in Dhaka.

At a briefing on Monday, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Acting Secretary Md Mujibur Rahman said the university will adopt an “interdisciplinary” and “hybrid” education model.

Under this system, 40 per cent of classes will be conducted online, while 60 per cent will be held offline. However, all examinations will be held in person.

The new university will be named “Dhaka Central University”, he added.