After clashes between Dhaka University (DU) students and those from the seven DU-affiliated colleges escalated into the early hours of Monday, steps have been initiated to formally separate the seven colleges from DU.
During a discussion between the DU Vice-Chancellor and the principals of the seven colleges, it was decided that starting from the 2024-25 academic year, the undergraduate first-year admission tests for these colleges will no longer be conducted under Dhaka University.
Additionally, steps will be taken to formally separate the seven government colleges from Dhaka University in a respectful manner.
Earlier on Sunday, tensions between students of Dhaka University (DU) and the seven affiliated government colleges escalated and continued into the early hours of Monday. The conflict began when several hundred students from the affiliated colleges staged a sit-in at the Science Lab intersection for about four and a half hours.
According to the students, they organized the blockade after DU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor and several teachers evicted over 50 students from a discussion on their five-point demands.
Afzal Hossain, a student of Dhaka College, said: “When we approached the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University with our five demands, we were insulted and asked to leave.”
When asked about the matter, DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, said: “They submitted a memorandum a few days ago. Today, they came to discuss it with me. However, when many of them tried to forcefully enter the office at once, I suggested speaking with two representatives instead. This led to a minor altercation.”
Around 10:30 pm on Sunday, the protesters marched toward the residence of DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Mamun Ahmed and continued their protest in front of the Mukti O Gonotontro Toron at the Nilkhet intersection.
The situation intensified when hundreds of DU students emerged from various halls and chased the protesting students away from the Nilkhet intersection. The affiliated college students regrouped and counter-chased the DU students, leaving many injured.
By midnight, the police intervened, throwing sound grenades to disperse the crowd and control the escalating situation. Four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members were deployed to maintain order.
Hasnat Abdullah confronted by DU students
At 12:33am, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasnat Abdullah came to the scene intending to calm the protesting Dhaka University students at Nilkhet. He asked the protesting DU students to “throw away” the pipes and sticks and return to the halls. However, his sudden and bold orders agitated the students. Some verbally charged him, and others even attempted to charge him physically, accusing him of coming for “footage” after arriving late.
Later, with the help of his fellows, Hasnat Abdullah formed a “human chain” to stand between the protesting DU students at the No. 1 Gate of New Market. Md Imran Hossain Fahim, a DU student, said that Hasnat Abdullah tried to “exert control” over the situation at its “climax.” After that, Hasnat Abdullah attempted to approach the protesting students of the seven colleges by crossing the police barrier on Nilkhet Road. However, he could not reach them due to the tear gas and had to return.
Abdul Kader, a central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said that Hasnat came with a “holistic” cause, aiming to prevent any “third party” from exploiting the clash for personal gain. However, Abdul Kader criticized Hasnat for arriving at the scene without assessing the situation properly. “He tried to take back the DU protesters to avoid further escalation, but it had the opposite reaction. Some students followed him, while others were suddenly beaten,” he added.
Abdul Kader also blamed Muhammad Rakib, a Dhaka College student and central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, for making “provocative” posts. He criticized the tendency of seven college students to provoke tensions and further alleged that Dhaka College’s JCD (Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal) members had “instigated” Eden College girls at the field level. He also criticized the DU administration for its delayed response, saying, “If they had been present earlier, the clash could have been avoided.”
Abidul Islam Khan, Joint Secretary of DU JCD, deemed Hasnat Abdullah’s efforts to quell the clash “unnecessary” because he arrived too late. Abidul also accused certain leaders of ADSM (Anti-Discrimination Student Movement), particularly AB Zubayer (DU) and Muhammad Rakib (DC), of being responsible for the clash. He described their actions, such as “exaggerated” posts on Facebook, as “unexpected” and harmful. “These posts contribute to creating mobs. They should have been more responsible,” Abidul stated.
According to Md Millad Hossen, Member Secretary of Dhaka College Chhatra Dal, the clash was not among “student organizations” but rather “institutional.” He added, “We are also trying to find out if anyone instigated this clash.”
Students of 7 colleges threaten siege of New Market police station
Students of the seven colleges have announced plans to lay siege to New Market police station within the next 24 hours unless police officers involved in attacking students of the colleges are brought to justice and removed from their positions.
This announcement came yesterday evening at the Shaheed Minar of Dhaka College.
They also set a deadline for taking action against Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed.
They said the assistant commissioner (AC) and officer-in-charge (OC) of New Market police station, who they said were involved in the attack on Dhaka College students, including the alleged attempted murder of Dhaka College student Rakib, must be removed and departmental actions should be taken after investigation.
Dhaka College student Moinul Hossain said: "The police launched an indiscriminate attack on Dhaka College students. The police must take responsibility for this. The AC and the OC of New Market police station must be removed.
"Additionally, Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Dr Mamun Ahmed should resign for putting Dhaka University students and the seven college students in direct conflict."
He continued: "If these demands are not met within the next 24 hours, the students will lay siege to New Market police station. Moreover, no vehicles of Dhaka University will be allowed to pass through the seven colleges area."