Protesters left Science Lab Square on Tuesday, declaring they would initiate another blockade on Wednesday unless a “commission” is formed to establish a separate university for seven Dhaka University-affiliated colleges.
Students from these seven colleges blocked the Science Lab and Nilkhet intersections, demanding a separate university on Tuesday.
The protesters issued a 24-hour ultimatum for their three main demands to be met. The demands are the immediate formation of a committee to establish a university for the affiliated seven colleges, creation of a commission to draft a proposal within 30 days addressing related issues, and assurance from Dhaka University that no session jam will occur until the separate university is established.
The spokesperson for the protesters, Abdur Rahman, announced, “There will be another blockade tomorrow (on Wednesdat) from 9am to 5pm if a ‘university transformation commission’ is not formed for the DU-affiliated seven colleges.”
He called on the interim government to “meet their demands quickly,” warning that otherwise, Science Lab Square would be “blocked again tomorrow (Wednesday).”
Abdur Rahman indicated that the students might meet a representative from the Education Ministry tomorrow. Should this meeting take place, a section of the protesters will maintain the blockade while their representatives attend the meeting.
The students from the seven colleges gathered at Dhaka College at around 11am on Wednesday, later forming a human chain and moving toward Science Lab Square.
The protesters expressed frustration that the promised “development of education” since affiliating the “seven colleges” with “DU eight years ago” has yet to materialize, while “several problems” have instead “emerged.”
The seven colleges involved in the protest are Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College, Government Bangla College, and Government Titumir College.
Blockade becomes a playground
Amid calls for establishing a fully autonomous public university, students from the seven colleges introduced a touch of positivity to their protest, blending activism with community sports.
Around 12 noon on Tuesday at the Science Lab intersection, students blocked traffic to amplify their demands. In a unique twist, they turned the congested roads into an impromptu cricket pitch, creating a lively scene.
“We started the protest under the blazing sun,” said Hridoy, a student of Dhaka College. “After chanting slogans for a while, some of us decided to take a break. Those resting moved to the shade, while others picked up bats and balls to enjoy a friendly match.”
Arafat from Kabi Nazrul Government College added: “We’re making the most of this time, enjoying each other’s company, and won’t leave until our voices are heard.”
The atmosphere was filled with laughter and cheers as students rallied together, with even female students joining in to bat and bowl. This blend of protest and play has drawn the attention of onlookers, showcasing the camaraderie and resilience of students united for a common cause.
The blockade led to five hours of halted traffic, creating long queues along Mirpur Road and the surrounding streets, causing inconvenience for many commuters.
