Students of Government Titumir College have been continuing their hunger strike for the fourth consecutive day, demanding the transformation of their college into a university.
At least 10 students participating in the strike have fallen ill, yet they remain steadfast in their pursuit of the demand.
On Saturday, the students issued a warning that if their seven-point demand, including the establishment of Titumir University, is not met by 4pm, they will begin an indefinite barricade movement in the areas under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka North City Corporation.
The students informed at an urgent press conference held at 11pm that if their demands are not met by 4pm on Saturday, they will implement the “Barasat Barricade to North City” campaign, which will include road and railway blockades.
The students have presented several key demands, including the state recognition of Titumir University along with the publication of its academic calendar.
They are calling for the formation of a university administration to manage the admission process for the 2024-2025 academic session.
The students seek 100% accommodation for all or for the government to bear the accommodation costs.
They also request the introduction of at least two international standard programs, "Law" and "Journalism", starting from the 2024-2025 academic year.
Additionally, the recruitment of qualified PhD-holding teachers for academic activities is essential, along with limiting the number of seats to improve education quality.
Finally, they demand land and financial allocations for the establishment of an international-standard research laboratory.
In solidarity with the ongoing movement, over a hundred female students held a flash march late last night, coming out of two female student dormitories, chanting slogans demanding the transformation of Titumir College into a university.
It should be noted that the students have been advocating for the conversion of Titumir College into an independent university for a long time.
Following the change in government on August 5, their movement gained further momentum.
The students have organized various activities, including public petitions, rallies, submitting memorandums, blocking roads and railways and boycotting classes.
In response, the Ministry of Education formed a special committee to conduct a feasibility study.
However, after receiving no positive response, the students began their hunger strike on Wednesday, declaring they would continue until their demand for university status is met.
