Indigenous students of Chittagong University (CU) have demanded the declaration of a five-day holiday to celebrate the Hill New Year.
The students submitted a memorandum to the university’s Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Al-Forkan on Tuesday, seeking a break from 12 to 16 April.
They have called for these dates to be officially included in the academic calendar for the celebration of festivals including Bizu, Bishu, Boisü, Bihu, Sangrai, Changkrän, and Sangkran.
According to the memorandum, over 700 students from 14 different language-speaking indigenous communities are currently enrolled at Chittagong University.
The students alleged that they are being deprived of celebrating their major social festivals because the academic calendar does not recognise these dates as holidays.
Jallang Enrico Cubi, a student of the International Relations department, said the vice-chancellor has promised to look into the matter. However, he noted that this is an ongoing struggle for the students.
“It is not as if we have submitted a memorandum for the first time this year; we do so every year, but our holiday request is never accepted,” Cubi said.
Bhagya Kumar Tripura, a student of the Sociology department, highlighted the social importance of the break, noting that it is the only time those living outside the hills for work or study can reunite.
“But due to examinations or important classes at the university, we often lose this single opportunity,” he added.
