Students of the seven government colleges in the capital have once again taken to the streets, demanding the immediate issuance of an ordinance for the proposed ‘Dhaka Central University’.
On Wednesday (January 14), as the day progressed, students blockaded several key intersections, including the Science Lab crossing. The sudden demonstration brought traffic to a complete standstill on some of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, causing massive tailbacks and severe public suffering.
Core Demands
The protesters are primarily demanding that the updated draft of the ‘Dhaka Central University Act-2025′ be approved in the Council of Advisers’ meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday (January 15). They are also calling for the prompt issuance of the final ordinance by the President.
“We have been repeatedly given assurances, but there has been no implementation,” said a student representative.
He added, “During our sit-in program last December, the Ministry of Education promised the ordinance would be issued by early January. We were forced back onto the streets after seeing no reflection of that promise.”
Notably, the Ministry of Education published the draft ‘Dhaka Central University Act-2025’ on September 24 last year to integrate the seven colleges into a full-fledged university. The draft was later refined based on stakeholder feedback.
Despite promises made by the ministry following protests in front of Shikkha Bhaban on December 7 and 8, the process has yet to reach its final stage.
Ministry’s Stance
In light of the protests, the Ministry of Education issued a press release on Tuesday, claiming that the ordinance approval process has made significant progress.
According to the ministry’s public relations department, the ordinance has been drafted considering administrative efficiency and student needs. It stated that the policy approval of the Cabinet Division would be sought as soon as possible. Following vetting by the Legislative Division, it will be placed before the Council of Advisers for final approval.
Despite the ministry’s call for patience, students maintain they will not leave the streets until a gazette or ordinance is visibly issued. At the time of filing this report, the situation at Science Lab and surrounding areas remained tense, with law enforcement personnel on high alert.