Students of seven colleges staged a sit-in demonstration in front of city’s Shikkha Bhaban on Monday, demanding immediate finalisation of the Dhaka Central University Act 2025 draft.
The protesters declared they would not leave the streets until their demands are met.
Meanwhile, police set up barricades on the road leading to the Secretariat, effectively closing the route. The blockade triggered heavy traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, causing significant suffering for commuters – particularly for those heading to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Around 11:20am, students from Shaheed Suhrawardy College and Kabi Nazrul Government College brought out processions and joined the sit-in in front of the Education Bhaban.
Witnesses reported that students from other affiliated colleges soon joined in, chanting slogans such as “No more delays on the ordinance,” “Our blood is on fire,” and “Education is not for business.”
Earlier on Sunday, the Ministry of Education stated in a press release that it had received over 6,000 opinions on the draft ordinance, which are currently being compiled and reviewed.
The ministry also announced plans for a series of consultation meetings with teachers, students, education experts, and representatives from civil society.
The government announced on 26 March this year the formation of Dhaka Central University by separating seven colleges – Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Mirpur Bangla College, and Government Titumir College.
However, the situation became more complicated after the cancellation of their affiliation with Dhaka University before the new university’s official establishment. Currently, the seven colleges are being run under an interim arrangement headed by the principal of Dhaka College as administrator, which has further deepened the crisis.
