Chittagong University (CU) is witnessing a standoff between the administration and students over an accommodation crisis, with students warning of a stronger movement if their housing-related demands, including ensuring 100% accommodation, are not met by August 21.
Meanwhile, the university administration claims that ensuring 100% residential facilities is impossible even in the next 15 years.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Yahya Akhter told Times of Bangladesh that providing full residential facilities within the next 15 years is not feasible. Currently, there are proposals to construct two new halls, but even if completed, they will not fully resolve the crisis.
He alleged that the protesters’ real motive is not their demands but strengthening their position ahead of the upcoming Chhatra Union (CUCSU) elections. “Students were aware of the accommodation shortage before admission. We consider them our academic children and are working for their welfare,” he added.
On the other hand, protesting students insist they are demanding either a solution to the accommodation crisis or at least the introduction of housing allowances. Ashikul Islam, a student of the Islamic Studies department, said, “We have given a deadline till the 21st. If our demands are not met by then, we will launch a tougher movement.”
Salman Rahman Shakil, a Philosophy student, stated, “Students have run out of patience. The administration only provides assurances without taking any action. We will continue our protest until our demands are fulfilled.”
Last Sunday, students locked the administrative building in protest. The demonstration began at 1:30pm while VC Prof Dr Yahya Akhter, Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr Shameem Uddin Khan, and Registrar Prof Dr Saiful Islam were inside. The administration later unlocked the building at 9:30pm.
Students say their main demands include ensuring 100% accommodation, introducing housing allowances as an alternative, canceling illegally occupied seats in halls, refunding application fees, and replacing the double-bed system with bunk beds in female halls. They have threatened to escalate protests if these demands remain unmet.