BCL activists again impede protesting DU students
Students demanding cancellation of Dhaka University’s affiliation with seven colleges yesterday tried to padlock academic and administrative buildings on DU campus but failed as Chhatra League activists took position at the entrances.
After three days of deadlock, classes were held at few departments of the university but a small number of students attended.
To resolve the problems created centring the affiliation and demands of students, the university authorities yesterday formed an 11-member committee, according to a press release of the university.
The committee, headed by Pro Vice-chancellor (administration), was asked to submit their recommendation in ten working days.
Other members of the committee include deans of Arts, Social Science and Business Studies faculties; principals of Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Kabi Nazrul Government College; vice-president and general secretary of Ducsu; president of Dhaka University Teachers’ Association, Assistant Proctor Prof Mainul Karim; coordinator of the seven affiliated colleges, the release added.
Earlier on Tuesday, demonstrating students padlocked all academic and administrative buildings of the university for the third consecutive day as part of their protest.
They also declared to continue boycotting classes and examinations until their demands were met while BCL leaders at a rally threatened to give befitting reply if anyone tries to disrupt academic activities.
As per their announcement, Chhatra League men took position in front of academic buildings including Arts building, Curzon Hall, Mokarram Bhaban, law faculty, business faculty, Institute of Modern Languages, Institute of Education and Research, and social science building.
“We took position since 6am as per Chhatra League General Secretary Golam Rabbani’s directive. Chhatra League is determined to maintain an atmosphere conducive to education,” wishing anonymity, a Chhatra League activist told The Daily Star.
A section of BCL activists also assaulted a student.
Witnesses said, some BCL activists of Salimullah Muslim Hall barred four students of Sufia Kamal Hall while they were walking towards Teacher Student Centre (TSC) to join the demonstration.
The BCL men were quizzing female students aggressively. Ahnaf Tahmid, a second-year student of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, who was passing by, approached the BCL men and wanted to know what was happening.
Suspecting him to be a demonstrator, the BCL men -- including Nabil Haider, activist of Salimullah Muslim Hall unit -- beat him up, leaving his right eye injured, Ahnaf claimed.
The agitating students later held a press conference in front of the university central library at around 11am, declaring that they will continue their demonstration.
“The university administration has been giving us false assurance, though we have been pressing for the demands for several days. We cannot trust them. Our agitation programme will continue,” said Shakil Miah, spokesperson of the movement.
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said a logical decision regarding affiliation of the colleges will be taken after prime minister returns to the country.
“We are aware that students of Dhaka University are demonstrating, demanding cancellation of affiliation of the capital’s seven colleges with the university,” Quader said.
The PM has been informed of the matter and once she is back, a logical decision will be taken after considering the practicalities, he added.
He also said Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni will sit with the demonstrators within two-three days, though her husband is critically ill.
With the aim to improve quality of education and to reduce pressure on National University, on February 17, 2017, the government affiliated Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Mohila College, Mirpur Government Bangla College and Government Titumir College with Dhaka University.
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