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Published : 03 Feb 2025, 10:22 PM
Students have suspended their paralysing street protest demanding Government Titumir College be upgraded to a university following assurances from the education ministry.
Aminul Islam, a “Titumir Oikya” leader who took part in the hunger strike, made the announcement at the Mohakhali Rail Crossing at 9:36pm on Monday.
The third-year mathematics student said, "We are withdrawing from the hunger strike."
Another student, Nayek Noor, announced that the protesters had postponed their demonstration for seven days.
“(But) if we do not see effective progress in implementing the assurances given by the ministry, we will go on strike again next week.”
He added that ministry officials acknowledged the demand to convert the college into a university as logical.
However, they are withholding an official announcement for fear that other colleges might make similar demands, potentially escalating the situation.
Later, the ministry’s Joint Secretary Md Nuruzzaman and the college’s Principal, Shipra Rani Mondal, ended the hunger strike by offering juice to the protesting students.
The demonstrators then cleared the rail crossing and returned to the campus, allowing traffic from Mohakhali Rail Crossing to Jahangir Gate to return to normal.
On Monday evening, education ministry officials met with college representatives and subsequently visited the rail crossing to speak with the students.
Addressing the crowd, Nuruzzaman said: “We are sympathetic to the students who are on hunger strike. You will certainly be recognised for your efforts to elevate the college’s status. The government is aware of your demands.
"The law and order situation across the country, especially in Dhaka, is deteriorating. Those of you on the streets should know the government is sincere about your concerns. We have come to share the ministry’s decisions entrusted to us.”
Although he pledged to improve facilities for the students, Nuruzzaman made no definitive statement regarding the university status.
He continued: “We will soon reach a decision after discussing with student representatives about admissions for the 2024–25 academic year. The students have demanded additional land and new buildings.
"T&T and RAJUK own land adjacent to the college; if those parcels can be handed over to Titumir College through the education ministry, it would resolve the accommodation crisis.
"We will take visible steps in the next seven days to address housing and transportation issues. We will also consult the UGC about reducing student enrolment to ensure a better quality of education.”
Regarding the introduction of law and journalism departments at Titumir College, he explained:
“These subjects are not part of the education cadre. We will conduct further reviews before making a final decision.”
Earlier, around 3:34pm, students blocked both lanes leading to Jahangir Gate and halted train service on the Mohakhali Rail Crossing, stranding one train. They had initially obstructed the road outside the college gate with bamboo poles around 12:30pm.
On the night of Jan 26, there were repeated clashes between the students of Dhaka University and seven colleges.
DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan announced the separation of seven colleges from the affiliation the following day.
The government is planning to set up a university with these seven colleges. However, Titumir College students demand their institution to be transformed into a separate university.
They have been observing a shutdown programme since Tuesday, boycotting classes and examinations with seven demands, including one of the transition.
On Jan 27, students launched an indefinite hunger strike in front of the college’s main gate, placing a banner reading: “Hunger strike for state recognition of Titumir University”.
There have been intermittent road blockades titled "Barasat Barricade to North City” since Thursday.
Among the seven demands put forward by Titumir Unity are: State recognition of the university and publication of its academic calendar; formation of university administration and initiation of admission for the 2024-25 session; and accommodation for all students or full coverage of residential costs.
