Over 500 DU students stay on campus for BCS exam prep during Eid

As Dhaka residents return to their hometowns for Eid, more than 500 students of Dhaka University (DU) have chosen to stay back in their dormitories to prepare for their upcoming exams.

The written examination for the 46th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) will take place on May 8, while the preliminary test for the 47th BCS is scheduled for June 27. Due to these crucial exams and ongoing academic responsibilities, many students are foregoing the joy of celebrating Eid with their families this year, prioritising their future aspirations instead.

Md Billal, a student from the Department of Islamic History and Culture, is among those spending Eid on campus. He shared his perspective, saying, "I always celebrate Eid in my village, and I will do so in the future as well, InshaAllah. However, this time, I have decided to stay in the hall and focus on my studies so that I can ensure a brighter future."

Like Billal, over 500 students across 18 residential halls of DU will remain on campus during the Eid holidays.

According to sources, the number of students staying back includes 12 in Masterda Surja Sen Hall, 10 in Amar Ekushey Hall, 10 in Bongomata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, 60 in Sir AF Rahman Hall, 17 in Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, 23 in Sheikh Mujib Hall, 17 in Sir Salimullah Muslim Hall, 100 in Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall, 58 in Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall, 31 in Rokeya Hall, and 50 in Kabi Jasim Uddin Hall. Additional students will also be staying in other halls, bringing the total count to at least 500.

To support these students, the DU administration has arranged special Eid meals in the halls. Professor Dr Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan, Provost of Surja Sen Hall, stated, "We have identified around 10-12 students in our hall who will celebrate Eid here. To make their Eid special, we have arranged a meal plan that includes semai and egg khichuri in the morning, followed by chicken roast, pulao, beef, and soft drinks for lunch. Each hall has tailored its own festive menu to ensure students feel at home."

Despite being away from their families, these students remain committed to their academic and career goals, sacrificing temporary celebrations for long-term success.