Students from seven government colleges in Dhaka have issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the immediate publication of a gazette notification for an interim administrative body to transition their institutions from Dhaka University (DU) affiliation to an independent university.
At a press conference outside Eden Mohila College on Saturday, student leaders warned of fresh protests starting Monday near relevant ministries if the gazette is not issued by Sunday. They emphasized that they would not return to campus until the university ordinance is in hand, underscoring frustration over delays in implementing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) February 25 proposal to establish an interim administration.
Despite assurances from Planning Advisor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud that the matter had reached the Chief Advisor’s desk, no official announcement has been made. The students’ five-point demand includes the immediate gazette notification, a structured academic calendar, initiation of 2024–25 admissions, publication of a university framework and logo, and the issuance of a full ordinance with budget by June 16.
The affected institutions include Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Mirpur Bangla College, and Government Titumir College. Student leaders also noted widespread support from DU students and criticized the current affiliation system for perpetuating delays and academic uncertainty.
“If our demands aren’t met, we’ll be back on the streets Monday,” said Zafrin Akhter of the Seven College University Transition Team.
