Titumir College students' hunger strike enters third day

The hunger strike by students of Government Titumir College in Dhaka, demanding state recognition of the institution as an independent university, has entered its third day today (1 February).

Several students participating in the strike have reportedly fallen ill, but they remain resolute. They have set a deadline of 4pm today (1 February) for their demands to be met.

If their seven-point demand is not accepted by then, they plan to enforce an indefinite blockade in areas under Dhaka North City Corporation, sources said.

Protesting students said the movement would continue indefinitely until an announcement accepting their seven-point demands is made.

The students' demands include formal recognition of Titumir University by the state and the publication of an academic calendar.

They also call for the formation of the university's administration and the commencement of admissions for the 2024-25 academic session. 

Additionally, they demand accommodation for all students or financial assistance to cover their housing expenses.

They insist that from the 2024-25 academic year, two internationally recognised disciplines—Law and Journalism—must be introduced.

They are also calling for the appointment of qualified PhD-holding faculty members, a cap on student enrolment to maintain education quality, and financial and land allocations for an international-standard research laboratory.

The protest began on 29 January, with students staging road blockades in front of their Mohakhali campus. Yesterday (31 January), they blocked roads again as part of their ongoing demonstrations.