7 college students demands inclusion of DCU
Students of the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka Central University (DCU) on Sunday gave the authorities a 24-hour ultimatum to publish the poll result in a gazette and take necessary steps to include current batches under the newly established university.
The students also demanded that academic rights and facilities for those already studying under Dhaka Central University be ensured without delay.
They made the demands at a press conference in front of the Shaheed Minar at Dhaka College at 2:00pm on Sunday.
Nayef Howladar read out a written statement on behalf of students of the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka Central University.
He said ensuring the rights and opportunities of current students was essential to building a modern and student-friendly university.
“We hope the Central University authorities will take effective steps quickly,” he said.
The students also expressed support for DCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam, saying confusion had been created over some of his remarks and that an explanation had already been issued.
They said academics and intellectuals in higher education had understood the substance of his remarks, with many expressing solidarity.
“We, the students, also do not disagree with his statement. We clearly say that we will not accept any conspiracy against the Vice-Chancellor and the university. We will resist all conspiracies,” they said.
At the press conference, the students presented 13 demands aimed at ensuring academic rights, quality education and modern higher education opportunities under DCU.
Their demands include appointing “university-suitable” teachers for Dhaka Central University, established with the seven colleges, while ensuring training and professional development opportunities for existing teachers.
They demanded that the academic rights and facilities of students already studying under DCU be guaranteed. They also called for the gazette publication of the result of the poll that has already emerged within 24 hours, followed by effective decisions and necessary measures within another 24 hours to include current batches under the university.
The students also demanded equal access for all to digital learning resources, e-journals, e-books and databases.
They sought opportunities to conduct classes and use academic materials in both Bangla and English, depending on subject requirements.
Modern laboratory facilities for science, technology and related departments were also demanded.
Under the university law, they called for safe, affordable and adequate transport facilities for students and demanded the immediate allocation of one bus for each campus.
The students also demanded adequate and safe accommodation for students from outside Dhaka and those without housing facilities.
They called for a research-friendly environment and infrastructure, along with greater participation of students and teachers in research.
Regular and adequate research funding for students and teachers was another demand.
The students further called for classes, examinations, publication of results and other academic activities to be completed on time in accordance with a realistic academic calendar.
They demanded the introduction of an effective dual examination system for continuous assessment and quality improvement, along with a clear examination structure.
The students also called for the introduction of timely and relevant subjects across the seven campuses from the 2026-27 academic year.
Their final demand was for a Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) to be built quickly at a suitable location in the capital, considering the distance between the seven campuses.
They also demanded opportunities for sports, debating, cultural activities, clubs, volunteering and other co-curricular activities centred around the TSC alongside activities at individual campuses.
