Students of 7 colleges to hold ‘long march’ to Shikkha Bhaban on Monday, pressing for Dhaka Central University ordinance
Students of 7 colleges said the movement that began in 2024–25 is not just a demand but a struggle for their existence
Students of seven government colleges in Dhaka previously affiliated with Dhaka University have announced a "long march to Shikkha Bhaban" programme demanding the immediate issuance of the Dhaka Central University ordinance, which would merge the colleges into one university.
They announced the demonstration in a message sent to the media last night (10 October), and according to the plan, they will march to Shikkha Bhaban and stage a sit-in on Monday (13 October).
The students said they are now at a critical moment where stepping back would mean years of hope and sacrifice going to waste.
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They demanded the long-awaited ordinance be issued immediately, or the movement will intensify.
They added that the movement that began in 2024–25 is not just a demand but a struggle for their existence.
Such an organised and mature movement has never been seen in the history of the seven government colleges of the capital, they said, adding that they are ready to take their final step.
Earlier, the students of the seven government colleges, previously affiliated with Dhaka University, issued an ultimatum on 18 September, warning that they would launch a long march towards the Ministry of Education if the proposed Dhaka Central University ordinance unifying these institutions was not issued.
The seven colleges are Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls College, Government Titumir College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, and Government Bangla College.
They collectively have about 200,000 students and more than 1,000 teachers, admitting around 21,500 students each session.
These colleges were affiliated with Dhaka University on 17 February 2017, but the affiliation ended in January this year following weeks of student protests. The students have long demanded the establishment of a separate university.
An interim government committee was formed in December last year. It spent over three months conducting feasibility studies, visiting campuses, drafting a framework for separation, and consulting teachers and students.
On 18 February, the UGC invited suggestions for the name of the proposed university and in March the name was finalised as Dhaka Central University.
