NN Online:
Students from the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have set a four-hour deadline for the government to address their six key demands. If their requests are not met by 4pm on Monday, the students have vowed to escalate their actions, raising the stakes in their quest for change.
Addressing a press conference held at Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar, representatives of the protesting students outlined their demands and condemned the events of the previous night in Dhaka University areas.
They accused Dhaka University authorities and local police of the clashes that happened overnight in the New Market, Nilkhet and Dhaka University areas, which left over 40 people injured, including journalists and students.
Six-point demand
The students presented six demands, including a public apology from Dhaka University for its alleged role in the conflict.
They also called for the resignation of DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed by the deadline.
A significant demand focuses on the removal of New Market Police Station officials, including the assistant commissioner and officer-in-charge, who were allegedly involved in attacks on Dhaka College students.
Protesters called for their withdrawal and departmental investigation for punitive action.
The clashes, which began on Sunday night, reportedly left Dhaka College student Rakib critically injured. Protesters allege he was attacked with the intent to kill and described police actions during the unrest as “barbaric.”
The students also demanded the complete severance of academic and administrative ties between Dhaka University and the seven colleges.
They called on the government to draft a framework for an independent university for the seven colleges within 24 hours.
The protesters also accused Dhaka University students of making offensive comments and inappropriate gestures towards female students from the seven colleges, including Eden College and Begum Badrunnesa College. They demanded an investigation and justice for these incidents.
