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The vice-chancellor will convene an emergency meeting with the heads of seven government colleges
Published : 27 Jan 2025, 07:09 AM
Dhaka University has suspended all classes and exams scheduled for Monday after a night of clashes between its students and those from seven government colleges affiliated to it.
The university’s spokesperson Md Rafiqul Islam announced the decision in a statement around 2am on Monday.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan expressed deep regret over the "unfortunate" incident on campus.
Although the clashes petered out around 2:30am, tensions continued to run high on campus and in the Nilkhet-New Market areas.
Dhaka University students are gathered in the hall cluster area, while students from the seven affiliated colleges are massed at the New Market and on Dhaka College campus.
Members of the law-enforcing agencies, including Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, have positioned themselves at the scene to keep the warring groups apart and maintain order.
The university authorities cited "unavoidable circumstances" as the reason for the suspension of classes and exams.
In a separate statement issued in the wee hours of Monday, the vice-chancellor called on students of Dhaka University and seven government colleges to uphold harmony and foster amicable relations.
Prof Niaz also announced an emergency meeting with the principals of the seven colleges on Monday, where issues related to student interests would be discussed.
He hoped that matters within the university's jurisdiction could be resolved through dialogue.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, the VC said: "The nation is currently going through a critical period. In such times, we must remain vigilant to prevent any third party from exploiting the situation."
Earlier, Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed expressed his sorrow over the violence and called on all parties to remain patient.
On Sunday evening, students of seven colleges blocked Shahbagh, Science Laboratory, and Technical intersections to press home a five-point charter of demand.
The students claimed they had gone to meet the pro-vice chancellor to present their demands, but were insulted by him. In protest, they took to the streets.
Later, in a video message around 1:30am, Prof Mamun said: "It is regrettable that the discussion with the students of seven colleges at my office in the evening has led to an unexpected incident at night. I'm deeply saddened by it.
“I believe this misunderstanding will be resolved through mutual discussions in a fair environment. I sincerely appeal to all parties to be patient to defuse the tension that erupted between the students of Dhaka University and the seven colleges over the incident."
