Despite being established more than five decades ago, Sreepur Government College—the only institution of higher education in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur—continues to run without a functional student dormitory. The hostel has remained closed for over a decade, causing suffering for students and hindering the growth of higher education in the area.
Local community representatives have described the absence of residential facilities as a major barrier to academic progress. Apart from the reopening of this dormitory, they have also emphasized the urgent need for a female hostel, calling on authorities to take immediate steps to ensure equal access to higher education.
College sources said honours courses were first introduced in three subjects in 2010. By 2015, the number had expanded to ten honours programmes. Although a tin-shed student hostel remained operational for a few years after the introduction of honours courses, it was eventually shut down due to its deteriorating condition.
Students, including Iman Hasan, Asif Hossain and Nijhum Sultana, said many students come from distant areas. Due to the lack of accommodation, regular attendance in classes becomes difficult for those who must travel long distances. Founded in 1968, Sreepur Government College is regarded as a prestigious institution, they added.
Naim, vice-president of Chhatra Dal College Unit, said a multi-storey female dormitory building, constructed up to the roof of the first floor, has also remained abandoned for years.
Students from various departments said the college currently offers honours programmes in Bangla, Islamic History and Culture, Marketing, Mathematics, Geography and Environmental Science, and Social Work.
Abdul Motaleb, convenor of Sreepur upazila BNP and former vice-president of the college, said the student dormitory has remained closed for nearly 20 years. The college was established in 1968 as the only degree college in the area, serving students from several surrounding upazilas.
Due to transportation difficulties from remote areas, he said, a hostel was built through joint initiatives taken by local residents and the college authority. However, the lack of renovation and maintenance rendered it unusable over time.
Abu Bakar Siddiq Akand, assistant professor and head of the Management Department, said the issue of building dormitories for male and female students was discussed at a recent academic council meeting. The college authority is giving the matter due importance, considering the needs and welfare of students, he added.
