Dhaka Medical College (DMC) authorities announced an indefinite closure of the institution and instructed students to vacate their dormitories immediately.
DMC Principal Prof Dr Md Kamrul Alam confirmed the decision through a media release on Saturday afternoon.
The move comes after prolonged student protests demanding improved accommodation facilities and four other key demands. Sources indicate the administration’s decision was prompted specifically by the housing-related demonstrations.
The decision came during an emergency meeting of the DMC Academic Council on Saturday, following days of unrest surrounding poor conditions in academic buildings and student hostels. Students have been demanding urgent renovation and safety measures — demands the council acknowledged and described as “legitimate.”
While the council stated that it is actively liaising with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Directorate General of Medical Education to address the infrastructure crisis, it noted frustration over student non-cooperation.
In particular, students have reportedly refused to vacate the condemned fourth floor of Shaheed Dr Fazle Rabbi Hostel, declared hazardous by the Public Works Department, despite multiple notices and offers of alternative accommodation.
The council expressed regret over the recent boycott of orientation programmes by newly admitted students of the K-82 batch, terming it a “black chapter” for the institution.
DMC administration noted that the current stalemate has disrupted academic activities and is causing peer pressure among students, especially in comparison to other medical colleges.
Due to the impasse, a scheduled Accreditation Council Visit has been shifted to another medical college, a move seen as a reputational setback for DMC.
The suspension of classes applies to all MBBS students except those currently sitting the professional examinations and international students, who remain exempt from the closure order.