Dhaka University authorities have announced an indefinite closure of the institution amid ongoing protests demanding quota reforms in public service, instructing students to vacate their dormitories by 6pm on Wednesday.
This decision had come from an emergency syndicate meeting at the office of Vice Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal, Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Sitesh C Bachar confirmed.
There was a significant presence of police, RAB and armed forces personnel at various points, with BGB vehicles patrolling the campus roads.
Despite the heavy security, a number of protesting students remained at VC Chattar, contributing to the overall tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, no leaders or activists of the Chhatra League were seen on campus.
Shortly after noon, protesters attempted to gather in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture but were dispersed by police. They then moved to VC Chattar, declaring they would not leave the campus until the quota issue was resolved.
At around 12:20pm, a procession of students from Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall attempted to gather at TSC, only to be chased away by police and BGB personnel. Sound grenades were also heard. The students then dispersed towards New Market and Dhaka Medical College.
A police officer at the scene, on condition of anonymity, said the students had wanted to assemble at TSC but "we used sound grenades to disperse them; the situation is under our control.”
Police and BGB personnel maintained a vigilant presence at the entrances and various points within the campus, stationed in groups with water cannons and riot cars.
Although Chhatra League members were not visible on campus, a procession by Jubo League activists, accompanied by some Chhatra League leaders, was seen at the Shahbagh intersection.
At about 12:30pm, slogans from female students inside Ruqayyah Hall were heard, questioning why had general students been attacked and why had the dorms been closed.
Following the announcement of the university's closure, only a few students were seen leaving the dorms with their bags. Some students from Ruqayyah Hall were escorted out under police supervision.
In response to nationwide clashes and attacks, the quota reform protesters were set to hold a symbolic funeral and coffin procession at the Raju Memorial Sculpture to honour the victims.
Previously, on Tuesday night, the University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities to suspend academic activities until further notice and instructed students to leave residential halls.
In response, an urgent meeting of Dhaka University's highest policymaking body, the syndicate, was convened in the morning.
The UGC's directive followed a series of clashes that erupted during the quota reform protests.