DU students submit memorandum to VC demanding 24-hour dormitory access

A student platform named 'Bishammanheen Chhatri Hall' submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University on Monday, demanding 24-hour entry and exit facilities at female dormitories, along with two other demands.

The three demands are: abolishing the existing evening curfew and keeping the gates of all female dormitories open 24 hours; allowing regular students of the university to enter any female hall and stay overnight upon permission by showing valid ID; and permitting female family members of any student to visit the student's room.

In the memorandum submitted to Vice-Chancellor Professor A B M Obaidul Islam, the students said that to ensure students' safety, dignity, freedom and equal rights, a safe and systematic 24-hour system should be introduced instead of time-bound restrictions on entry and exit. The memorandum noted that students may need to leave or enter the hall at any time for educational, research, medical, organisational, family or personal emergencies. Therefore, instead of extending the curfew hours, the demand is to ensure 24-hour access.

The memorandum urged the university administration to consider the students' reasonable demands seriously, take necessary steps quickly and adopt a positive decision in this regard.

Sanjana Chowdhury Ratri, Vice-President of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall Union and representative of the platform, said restrictions and rules have long been in place at the five female halls of Dhaka University that are discriminatory and harassing. A meeting was held on Sunday night with around 25 participants, including female students, hall union representatives, DU Central Students' Union (DUCSU) representatives and activists from various political organisations. After detailed discussions, the new platform was formed and the programme was announced.

Sanjana Chowdhury said besides presenting the demands to the VC, they also explained why the existing rules need to be changed. The VC has assured that a meeting will be convened with the provosts of the five female halls and concerned administrative officials as soon as possible, and representatives of their platform will also be invited to that meeting.