Dhaka Central University students lay siege admin building over delayed admission process

Students of the proposed Dhaka Central University (DCU), formed with previously Dhaka University-affiliated seven colleges, staged a sit-in and demonstration today (16 November) demanding completion of admission procedures and commencement of classes for the 2024–25 session.

From around 1:30pm today, students of 2024–25 session blockaded the office of the interim administrator and the administrative building of Dhaka College, carrying out a sit-in and protest.

Fuad, a student of DCU's 2024–25 session, told The Business Standard (TBS), "We took the admission test under the university and passed. Since then, we have repeatedly been given new dates for submitting admission documents. But the administration is not accepting our papers in any way."

"Other universities have already finished their first semester and are starting the second. But nothing is happening for us," Fuad added.

Shanta, a newly admitted student of Eden College under DCU, also told TBS, "Today was supposed to be the day to submit documents. When we went to the college to submit them, they told us to go to Dhaka College. Now even here they are not taking the documents."

On 14 August, all academic, administrative and financial responsibilities of the seven colleges had been officially handed over to the authorities of the proposed Dhaka Central University.

On 29 October, students of the Dhaka Central University had begun a hunger strike at the main gate of Dhaka College, demanding the prompt completion of the 2024-25 session admission process and the immediate start of classes.

The students said the admission process, initially scheduled to conclude by 30 October, has been postponed to 15 November–1 December, creating uncertainty for those enrolled in the 2024-25 session.