Rejecting the statements of the press secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, students of the seven colleges have announced another two-day protest program, demanding the cancellation of their affiliation with Dhaka University and the formation of a commission to transition the seven colleges into a university.
Zakaria Bari Sagar, one of the spokespersons for the movement to transform the seven colleges into a university and a student at Kabi Nazrul College, made this announcement at a press conference held in front of the cafeteria of Dhaka College on Saturday.
He said, “We will not back down from our core demand for our rights. Our demand for an autonomous university comprised of the seven colleges remains unchanged. The committee formed by the ministry regarding the seven colleges has been rejected by the students.”
He also urged for the swift formation of a commission to transition the seven colleges into a university, including student representatives in the process.
The press conference further emphasized that they would continue their protests against any conspiracy regarding the seven colleges, the retraction of the press secretary's thoughtless statements, the cancellation of the committee, and the establishment of a commission with student representation. Additionally, protests will be held across all campuses of the seven colleges in support of their demands.
The students will participate peacefully in these programs, but if their demands are not met, they will announce more rigorous actions.
Previously, Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the Chief Adviser, mentioned at a press conference that the seven government colleges in the capital would remain affiliated with Dhaka University but would have separate arrangements where their matters would be handled distinctly.
He mentioned: “In a meeting of the advisory council regarding the seven colleges, discussions were held with the education and sports advisors, along with representatives from the seven colleges. It was decided that administrative matters for the seven colleges would be managed separately within Dhaka University.
However, during the meeting with the advisors, there was discussion about the seven colleges, but no decisions were made. The students of the seven colleges have rejected the press secretary's statements.
The press secretary further said: “There will be a separate registrar for the seven colleges, and dedicated officials will be assigned. These arrangements will be made in consultation with the University Grants Commission."
