7 Colleges Give Govt 4-Hour Ultimatum Over Demands

At a press conference held at Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar, student representatives condemned the violent clashes that broke out overnight in Dhaka University, New Market, and Nilkhet areas. They blamed the Dhaka University authorities and local police for fueling the unrest, which left over 40 people injured, including both students and journalists.

The Six Demands:

   1. A public apology from Dhaka University for its alleged role in the violence.
   2. The resignation of Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed by the 4:00 PM deadline.
   3. The removal of New Market Police Station officials, including the Assistant Commissioner and Officer-in-Charge, for their alleged involvement in the attacks on Dhaka College students, with a call for a full investigation and disciplinary action.
   4. A complete severance of academic and administrative ties between Dhaka University and the seven colleges, which the students claim have been marginalized and mistreated.
   5. A call for the government to draft a framework for establishing an independent university for the seven colleges within 24 hours.
   6. Investigation into allegations that Dhaka University students have made inappropriate comments and gestures toward female students from the seven colleges, including Eden College and Begum Badrunnesa College, with demands for justice and accountability.

The Clashes: The unrest that began on Sunday night escalated when Dhaka College student Rakib was critically injured in what protesters describe as a targeted assault. The protesters allege the attack was an attempt on his life and denounced police actions, calling them "barbaric." The protests have been particularly vocal about the police's role in exacerbating the violence.

A Call for Action: In a bid to de-escalate tensions, the students have called for an urgent meeting with key stakeholders, including the Chief Adviser, Education Adviser, Student Adviser Nahid Islam, a UGC representative, and the Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor. They hope this meeting will address the crisis and lead to meaningful solutions.

The students also raised concerns about the restriction of roads within Dhaka University’s jurisdiction and demanded that these areas be opened to the public.

Ongoing Tension: Though no new clashes have been reported as of now, the atmosphere in New Market, Nilkhet, and the Dhaka University area remains highly tense. Earlier today, protesters at Dhaka College held a demonstration, waving shoes in the air and chanting slogans calling for Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed’s resignation.

As the deadline approaches, the situation remains volatile, with students promising tougher measures if their demands are not met.