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Published : 15 Jan 2026, 01:58 PM
Students from seven government colleges have once again blockaded key Dhaka city intersections, pressing the government to issue the long-awaited final ordinance to establish Dhaka Central University.
The students began their pre-announced protest by blocking the Science Laboratory intersection at around 1:45pm on Thursday, bringing traffic to a standstill in the surrounding areas.
Shortly afterwards, they also blocked the Technical intersection.
Students from Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College and Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College led the blockade at the Science Laboratory, while students of Government Bangla College occupied the Technical intersection.
The Tantibazar intersection is also scheduled to be blocked later in the day.
Abu Bakar Siddique, a student from Dhaka College, told bdnews24.com that the protesters are seeking a clear legal framework for the proposed university.
“We want a final ordinance. We want a legal basis for Dhaka Central University,” he said.
“In response to our demand, the education ministry said the ordinance would be issued in January. That has not happened. Now we want it issued without any further delay.”
Echoing the demand, Md Jewel Rana, a student of Government Bangla College, said the students were seeking formal academic recognition.
“They have made many excuses to us,” he told bdnews24.com.
“Now give us an academic identity by issuing the ordinance as soon as possible.”
The protest follows similar demonstrations on Wednesday, when students from the seven colleges blocked the Science Laboratory and Technical intersections, as well as Mohakhali’s Amtoli, to press for the ordinance.
After receiving no response from the government, they announced a fresh blockade programme for Thursday.
A section of students had previously staged a two-day sit-in in front of the Shikkha Bhaban on Dec 7 and 8, demanding the issuance of the Dhaka Central University Ordinance. At the time, the education ministry had indicated that the ordinance would be issued in early January.
The students are now demanding that the government’s Advisory Council approve the Dhaka Central University Act 2025 and issue the final ordinance on the same day.
The draft ordinance was published on Sept 24, but has since drawn objections, particularly from teachers belonging to the general education cadre.
The proposed structure seeks to divide the seven colleges into four schools under an “interdisciplinary” or “schooling” model, while allowing the colleges to continue higher secondary education.
The process of forming Dhaka Central University involves consolidating Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College, Mirpur Government Bangla College and Government Titumir College.
Teachers opposing the draft have expressed concern that the proposed structure could undermine their basic rights, including promotion prospects.
They have demanded that the university be established under an affiliation model that preserves the administrative autonomy of the colleges.
Students, too, remain divided. While a section of current students is pushing for the swift issuance of the ordinance to secure a legal framework for the new university, others -- particularly those at the higher secondary and honours–masters levels -- share the teachers’ concerns, arguing that the schooling structure would weaken college autonomy.
Amid the stalemate, the education ministry has revised the draft ordinance.
The Secondary and Higher Education Division said in a press release that the revised draft was sent to the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday.
“This ordinance, which was formulated to ensure administrative excellence and meet the reasonable needs of students, will be submitted to the Advisory Council for final approval as soon as the Cabinet Division gives its consent in principle and the Law Division completes its vetting,” the department said.
The agency also noted that classes for students admitted in the 2024–25 academic year have already begun, calling it an important step in maintaining academic continuity. It urged teachers and students to cooperate patiently to ensure the successful implementation of the new higher education structure.
It also warned against confusion caused by “incomplete information or rumours,” urging all parties to remain vigilant so that students’ educational lives are not disrupted.
