Seven college students suspend movement

The Government Seven College University Transformation Committee has decided to suspend its ongoing movement demanding the prompt finalisation and promulgation of the Dhaka Central University Act–2025, following assurances from the Ministry of Education.

The decision was announced after a meeting with the education adviser and senior ministry officials at the Secretariat on Monday (October 13), Committee member Md. Nayeem Howladerconfirmed in a press briefing following the discussion.

He said nearly 80% of the ordinance drafting process has been completed, and the remaining work will be finalised soon.

“The ministry has assured us that the process is in its final stages. Therefore, we’ve decided to suspend the movement temporarily,” he added.

According to Nayeem, the ordinance is currently in its second and most time-consuming phase. Officials informed them that once this phase concludes, the remaining steps will proceed swiftly. To expedite progress, the number of officials working on the draft has been increased from two to five, and around 6,000 emails related to the process are being verified and documented.

He also said that consultations with teachers, students, and political organizations will begin within the next few days, after which the ordinance will move to the final stage. “If everything goes smoothly, the draft will soon be placed before the Cabinet,” Nayeem noted, adding that the process could accelerate further once the Chief Adviser and concerned advisers return to the country.

Nayeem urged students to remain patient, saying, “We’re convinced that 80% of the work is done. Now it’s time to wait peacefully for the results.”

He, however, expressed concern over reports of injuries during the earlier phase of protests, alleging that one teacher had physically assaulted a student, who required stitches, while two others were also hurt. “We want a proper investigation into the incident,” he demanded.

Earlier in the afternoon, a 23-member delegation of Seven College students met with senior education ministry officials to press for the swift passage of the Dhaka Central University Act–2025.