Students of proposed Dhaka Central University stage hunger strike demanding start of classes
During the protest, a student reportedly fell ill and was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Students of the Dhaka Central University, a proposed merger of the seven major government colleges in the capital, began a hunger strike this morning (29 October) 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.
Sabbir Hawladar, an economics student, said, "All universities are running classes and exams for the 2024-25 session, and the dates for 2025-26 admissions have already been announced. But here, the previous session's admission is still incomplete, leaving us in limbo. We are already facing a session backlog."
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He added that despite informing the interim administration about the need to start classes, the students received no assurances, prompting the hunger strike.
Nazmul, another student, cited mental stress caused by the delay, saying, "We are falling behind academically and socially. Our sole demand is to complete admissions and begin classes immediately."
Professor AKM Elias, interim administrator of the proposed university, said, "It is not possible to start classes or complete admissions from 30 October. A meeting with the ministry was planned today, but it was postponed. Once the education adviser is present, we will address the issue."
During the protest, accounting student Rashidul Islam reportedly fell ill and was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
