Students block Science Lab crossing demanding Central University Ordinance

Students from seven colleges blocked the Science Lab intersection in Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon (January 14), demanding the issuance of the ordinance to formally establish Dhaka Central University.

The protest began around 12:45pm when the students marched from Dhaka College, halting traffic in the area.

The students urged that the updated draft of the Dhaka Central University Act–2025 be approved at the advisory council meeting scheduled for January 15 and that the President issue the final ordinance without delay.

The draft, originally released on the Ministry of Education’s website on September 24 last year, was updated after consultations with various stakeholders.

Students said previous assurances from the ministry, given during demonstrations on December 7 and 8, indicated the ordinance would be issued in early January. No progress prompted Wednesday’s blockade.

The Ministry of Education said significant progress has already been made on the ordinance. A press release stated that the measure is intended to ensure administrative efficiency while addressing students’ legitimate demands. The ordinance will next be presented to the Cabinet Division for policy approval and then to the Legislative Department for vetting before the advisory council grants final approval.