Students of Dhaka's Kabi Nazrul Government College staged a demonstration in front of the Dhaka deputy commissioner's office on Monday, pressing home a seven-point demand that includes renovation of dormitories, resolution of classroom and transportation crises.
The protest began at 11am on Monday.
During the demonstration, various student bodies, social organisations and students from different departments gathered in solidarity. Later, a delegation from the college entered the DC office to submit their list of demands.
Jamal Uddin, joint convener of the Kabi Nazrul College unit of Chhatra Dal, said students have been enduring numerous difficulties in their academic life. “Despite raising demands for dormitory renovations, improved transport services and adequate classrooms for years, no effective solution has been implemented. This time, students across all affiliations have united to solve these issues once and for all,” he said, warning of tougher programs if their demands are not met.
Azam Khan, president of the college’s debate club, said: “Despite a glorious 153-year history and heritage, Kabi Nazrul Government College has yet to stand tall. We have no choice but to realise our justified demands if we are to move forward with dignity.”
Faisal Ahmed, a senior member of the convening committee of the college’s Chhatra Dal unit, said the college is one of the oldest educational institutions in the capital, yet it remains plagued by numerous problems. “Although students have been voicing logical demands for years, no visible results have followed. This time, we are united in our cause,” he said.
Earlier, on May 7, students of Kabi Nazrul College blockaded the road in front of the college’s main gate as part of the same seven-point demand.
Their demands are as follows:
Renovate the existing dormitory and allocate new land for additional dormitory facilities
Construct new dormitories for male and female students
Ensure sufficient transportation services for students
Construct multistorey academic buildings to address the classroom shortage
Allocate new land to expand the campus
Demolish the college’s risky buildings and replace them with new ones
Resolve the teacher shortage within a short time frame