Dhaka University (DU) students have demanded the cancellation of the affiliation of seven colleges with the university.
They raised the issue during a press conference held at Madhur Canteen on the DU campus on Sunday.
At the event, Mohammad Abbasuddin, a student of DU's Arabic department from the 2018-19 session, said: "The movement to cancel the affiliation of the seven colleges began in 2019, with advisers Asif Mahmud and Nahid Islam playing significant roles. They were even attacked by Chhatra League for their involvement."
He further said: "The Dhaka University administration has failed to provide adequate facilities for its own students, yet it has taken responsibility for approximately 267,000 students from the seven colleges. As a result, we constantly face various challenges. Therefore, we demand the cancellation of the affiliation."
Nafiur Rahman, a student in the accounting department, also addressed the press. He said: "DU students face numerous administrative challenges due to the affiliation of the seven colleges. DU teachers dedicate time to these colleges, which negatively impacts the quality of education for DU students. Problems such as seat shortages, irregular classes, and delays in publishing results have worsened."
He added: "The inclusion of the seven colleges in the university's international rankings adversely affects DU's position."
The students announced their intention to resist the enrollment of any new students from the seven colleges into DU's affiliation starting from the 2024-25 academic session.
"If a new building is constructed for the seven colleges, we will organize a fierce protest and lock all university buildings. Our movement will continue until our demands are met," warned Nafiur Rahman.
