Govt faces challenges as Titumir College students remain steadfast on their demands

Students of Titumir College continued their hunger strike for the fifth consecutive day on Sunday, demanding the conversion of their college into a university. At noon, they blocked the road in front of the college on the Mohakhali road with bamboo sticks, causing traffic to come to a halt. Four students have been hospitalized due to the protest, with at least two of them reportedly in critical condition, according to the students. Despite this, they have remained steadfast in their protest. The government, however, has stated that there is no possibility of providing any special privileges to Titumir College, and it will not establish any more universities in response to these demands.

Officials informed that the firm stance of the students and the government's clear declaration have put both parties at an impasse. The ongoing protest has caused chaotic traffic daily, wasting work hours and severely disrupting law and order. The government is unable to accept the demands nor clear the protesters. This issue has placed the government in a tough position.

A portion of both current and former students of the college believes that the demand to convert the college into a university is unreasonable, while others are in favor of reviewing the students' request.

The demand to transform Titumir College into a university has been raised sporadically since the formation of the interim government under Dr. Yunus. Previously, students attempted to block roads and railways to achieve their goal, but they did not receive a positive response. Amid these demands, the government recently announced that a separate university would be established for the seven government colleges, including Titumir College, which is affiliated with Dhaka University. This government announcement has added fuel to the fire, with students rejecting it and continuing their hunger strike for the conversion of Titumir College into a university.

The students have outlined seven demands, and on Saturday, the Ministry of Education issued a statement saying that the process of creating a university for the seven colleges is ongoing and that Titumir College's case is also being considered. The ministry urged the protesters to remain patient and refrain from actions that would cause public inconvenience or disrupt the normal academic activities of other students. However, the students rejected this statement and declared that they would continue their hunger strike with only one demand: university recognition for Titumir College.

Mahmudul Hasan Mukhtar, a student of the college, stated, "Our demand is now only one, "Titumir must be declared a university."

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Education Adviser Professor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud stated that there is no opportunity to grant any special privileges to Titumir College, and converting it into a university would not be logical. He further mentioned that the government would not establish any more universities in response to demands like these.

In response to a question, Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud said, "At this moment, I believe Rajshahi College should be made a university because it is the oldest college in Bangladesh. Many students of Titumir College want to return to their classes. They do not want public inconvenience. Considering the public hardship, I urge students to reconsider. Dhaka University and the seven colleges do not want each other, which is why an initiative has been taken to form a separate university for the seven colleges. A committee is working on this. Setting a deadline for fulfilling these demands is not ideal."

The issue of converting Titumir College into a university has caused divisions among former and current students. Some see the demand as legitimate, while others consider it unreasonable.

Former student Md. Rasheduzzaman of Titumir College told Views Bangladesh, "As a college, Titumir is unique. Its affiliation with Dhaka University has diminished its distinctiveness. While it has increased student hardships, the quality of education has not improved. To overcome this situation, the government should establish a separate institution for the seven colleges. However, making Titumir a university alone would not be appropriate."

A fourth-year student of Titumir College, speaking anonymously, told Views Bangladesh, "I do not find the current demand reasonable at all. This protest has not only increased the public's suffering but also harmed us students. The government needs to take a firmer stance on this issue."

Former student Anwar Hossain Sohail expressed to Views Bangladesh, "I believe the demand to convert Titumir College into a full university is reasonable because it is a historic and prestigious institution. Converting it into a university would improve the quality of education and enhance students' employability."

Former student Ahmed Ferdous Khan told Views Bangladesh, "The cancellation of the seven college affiliation has created a need for a new university. However, creating a separate university for the seven colleges would only add to the crisis. Considering all factors, the argument for turning Titumir into a university is valid."