7 DU colleges: Students boycott classes and exams for two days

Students from seven colleges affiliated with the University of Dhaka yesterday announced a boycott of classes and exams today and tomorrow in protest against the government’s refusal to form a committee to set up a separate university for them.

At a press conference at Dhaka College, they also called demonstrations and rallies on their campuses.

“The students of the seven colleges firmly reject the statement of the press secretary of the chief advisor,” Zakaria Bari, a student of Kabi Nazrul Government College, said at the press conference.

“We will not go back on our primary demand for an autonomous university for the seven colleges. Our demand for a united, independent university will remain unchanged,” Zakaria said.

The protesting students announced the new programs two days after Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Chief Counsel, said the seven government schools affiliated with DU would have a special unit to look after them while keeping their ties with the university intact.

During yesterday’s briefing, Zakaria said the students had rejected the committee formed by the Ministry of Education to investigate their demands, adding that a committee should be formed immediately that would include student representatives.

“Our movement will continue to oppose any conspiracy surrounding the colleges,” he said, demanding the withdrawal of the press secretary’s “irresponsible” statement.

“If our demands are not met, we will announce more stringent programs,” Zakaria added.

After emerging from Thursday’s meeting, Shafiqul said a special unit would be formed within the ambit of Dhaka University and it would have a separate registrar and other officials to oversee the seven colleges.

“There will be a designated place in DU to carry out the administrative works (for the seven colleges).”

He said the decision was taken at a meeting between representatives of protesting students, education advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud and youth and sports advisor Asif Mahmud.

However, Zakaria said the meeting between the students and the advisors ended without resolution.

“The consultants suggested setting up a separate administration office outside the Dhaka University administration for the seven colleges. However, as the students sought a fully independent university, no decision was made,” he said.