Students from seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University (DU) blockaded the Science Lab intersection in Dhaka at noon on Tuesday pressing home their demand for the formation of a commission to establish an autonomous public university, resulting in significant traffic disruptions in the area.
The colleges involved are Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shahid Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Govt College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women's College, Mirpur Government Bangla College, and Government Titumir College.
Zakir Bari Sagar, a representative of the protesters and a student of Kabi Nazrul Govt College, expressed frustration over the government’s lack of response to their demands.
"We are fighting for the establishment of a full-fledged university, separate from DU. We have repeatedly called for a commission to be formed for this purpose, but the government has ignored us," he said.
He criticized the government's recent formation of a 13-member committee to address academic and administrative issues, calling it an insult to their demands.
"Students reject this mockery and have taken to the streets again, insisting on the formation of a commission," he added.
Students emphasized their resolve, saying their movement will continue until a transformation commission is established.
Raqib Hossain, a student from Dhaka College, said: "Many of us have been patient. We have given the government repeated chances, but they have not valued our words. We will not go home until a commission is formed."
Afsana Begum, a student from Eden Mohila College, lamented the government's apparent disregard for their legitimate demands, saying: "This is very disappointing. Just as the previous government fell into a pit by rejecting a legitimate demand like quota reform, this government should not make a mockery of students' legitimate demands."
