7 college students to protest for Dhaka Central University ordinance

Students of seven government colleges in Dhaka will hold a peaceful sit-in and rally on Wednesday demanding the swift issuance of the ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University.

The demonstration, scheduled at the Science Lab area, comes as students call for official recognition of their separate identity from Dhaka University. They urge the government to complete all formalities and publish the ordinance without delay.

For weeks, students have been campaigning across campuses, highlighting that the term “affiliation” undermines their identity and that the long-standing “7 Colleges” structure has caused confusion. They emphasize that Dhaka Central University is not merely a name but the culmination of years of struggle for autonomy.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has outlined a five-step process for ordinance approval, involving drafting, legal review, ministry approvals, advisory council endorsement, and presidential assent. However, students fear delays in bureaucratic procedures could stall progress.

Abdur Rahman, focal person of the 7 College University Transformation Team, said, “We will not accept any conspiracies against our demand for an independent identity. The government must implement the ordinance within the scheduled timeframe.”

Wednesday’s program will begin with a gathering at Dhaka College’s main gate at 10 a.m., followed by a march starting from Azimpur intersection at 11 a.m., moving through Science Lab and Nilkhet, with a brief sit-in outside Eden Mohila College. The procession will conclude back at Dhaka College, where a press conference is planned at noon.

The new university, formally announced on March 26, will include Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College, Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Mirpur Bangla College, and Government Titumir College.