Students of the Titumir College in Dhaka on Thursday blocked the road in front of the institution to press home their seven demands, including the conversion of the college into an independent university.
Earlier, from 5pm the previous day, they began an indefinite hunger strike and put forward the seven demands.
Regarding the road blockade as part of the protest, they said at the press conference that the college administration has been dismissive of their movement, which is why they have moved from the college gate onto the road.
When asked how long the road would remain blocked, the students responded, "The state will determine how long we stay here."
According to the students, out of the seven protesters on hunger strike, three have been admitted to Suhrawardy Hospital, while the condition of the remaining four is also critical.
The demands of the student platform "Titumir Oikya" are: granting state recognition to Titumir University and publishing the university’s academic calendar; forming the university administration and conducting admissions for the 24-25 academic session; ensuring 100% accommodation for students, or alternatively, immediately covering the residential costs for all students; and adding at least two internationally recognized subjects, law and journalism, starting from the 24-25 academic session.
Additionally, the demands include appointing qualified PhD-holding teachers to conduct academic activities; limiting the number of seats to improve the quality of education; and ensuring land and financial allocations for building an internationally standard research laboratory.
In response to the students' movement, on Tuesday, Education Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud stated that an independent university would be established for the seven government colleges.
