Students Protest at Science Lab for Dhaka Central University Ordinance
Students from seven government colleges protested at Dhaka’s Science Lab intersection on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, demanding the immediate issuance of an ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University. The demonstration, which began at 11:00 AM, disrupted traffic and caused public inconvenience in the area.
The students, representing Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Bangla College, Government Titumir College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College, and Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, marched from Dhaka College through Nilkhet to Science Lab, halting vehicular movement. They raised slogans including “End the education syndicate, free DCU,” “Issue the ordinance, finalize Dhaka University,” “No more excuses, issue the ordinance,” and “Break the syndicate’s hold, unite and ignite,” expressing frustration over delays in formalizing the new university.
Sadia Akter Mou, a student from Eden Mohila College, told reporters that the government has progressively accepted their demands for Dhaka Central University. “We are hopeful the ordinance will lead to a fully established university. We’ll stay at Science Lab briefly and return to campus,” she said, noting the heavy police presence was to prevent external disruptions, not to obstruct their peaceful protest.
Naeem Howlader, a Dhaka College student, acknowledged partial progress on the government’s commitments but criticized the lack of clarity on the ordinance’s timeline and academic arrangements for current students. “We expected a clear roadmap from the Education Ministry’s briefing, but they mentioned September without specifics, which has frustrated us,” he said.
Ruman Hasan Tamim from Government Bangla College highlighted the challenges faced since the colleges’ affiliation with Dhaka University, including session delays, result publication issues, and administrative complexities. “The education syndicate exploited us, eroding our identity. This new university will end that injustice. We urge the UGC and Education Ministry to issue the ordinance swiftly, prioritize student input, and ensure seamless academic processes for current students,” he said.
On August 3, the Education Ministry held a press conference where Acting Secretary Md. Mojibur Rahman outlined progress on Dhaka Central University but failed to specify a date for the ordinance, prompting the students’ protest. On Monday, students issued a statement demanding the ordinance’s swift issuance, key appointments like vice-chancellor and registrar, and guarantees for current students’ academic certificates and facilities.
A significant police presence was observed to maintain order, but no clashes were reported. The students plan to return to their campuses after a brief demonstration.
