Students bring pillows to siege of VC’s residence
A group of first-year students of Dhaka University headed towards the Vice-Chancellor’s residence yesterday morning with pillows and mattresses, in a symbolic attempt to move in to the VC’s residence -- in protest of the accommodation crisis at the university, especially for freshers.
As per their earlier decision to move in to the VC’s house if the authorities fail to solve the accommodation crisis by mid-October, some 20 agitating students led by Ducsu member Tanbir Hasan Shaikat reached the VC’s residence around 11am.
However, they were stopped by a proctorial team at the entrance, who told students that the VC was not present at his residence, and asked them to come after he returns.
After a nearly four-hour sit-in, DU VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman summoned Tanbir and six other students to his office to discuss their demands.
Following an hourlong meeting, the students decided to withdraw their agitation, as they were assured of a resolution to the crisis, Tanbir told The Daily Star.
“We postponed our protest for the time being, as the VC assured us that those who are going to be enrolled in the current session will be allotted seats in the dorms by the authorities. Students’ dorm allotment will be controlled in an administrative manner, and other long-term measures will also be taken,” said Tanbir.
He said they will be monitoring the administration’s steps, and will take to the streets again if needed.
Talking to journalists, DU VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman yesterday said the accommodation crisis at DU has existed for a long time, and long-term planning is needed to resolve the crisis.
Demanding abolition of “gono room” -- an unofficially-designated room in all dorms where 30-35 freshers are compelled to stay because they do not get seat allotments -- Tanbir on September 1 moved to a “gono room” of Kabi Jashim Uddin Hall.
On October 1, the Ducsu member issued a 15-day ultimatum to the university administration to resolve the accommodation crisis on campus.
Tanbir, a former member of Chhatra League’s central unit, also threatened to move in to the VC’s residence if the authorities fail to take any effective measure by this time.
Meanwhile, the university authority in a provost committee meeting on October 10 decided that students will have to leave their dormitories within 15 days of completing their master’s degree examinations.
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