Dhaka University backs down on decision to shut TSC at 8pm amid furore

The Dhaka University has backed away from its decision to shut the doors of Teacher-Student Centre or TSC, the heart of the universities socio-cultural activities, by 8pm every day after it was caught up in a storm.

Vice-Chancellor Md Akhtaruzzaman has asked authorities to decide on a suitable closing time after discussions with the TSC-based organisations, TSC Director AMM Mohiuzzaman Chowdhury told bdnews24.com on Monday.

The organisations protested against the decision on the timetable, alleging it is impossible for the students to finish day's work within 8pm after classes in the afternoon. Some alleged the decision was a blow to freethinking activities.

The authorities, earlier in a notice, asked the organisations to wind up their daily activities by 8pm, triggering protests and harsh criticism.

Though ‘security reasons’ are cited in the notice, Mohiuzzaman told bdnews24.com on Saturday that the decision aimed at 'bringing a semblance of discipline among the boys and girls working at the TSC'.

He said on Monday that the VC called him to discuss the decision on Sunday.

"The VC asked us to speak to the organisations and fix a cut-off time that suits them. We discussed the issue with the organisations yesterday and will talk about it again before taking a decision," he said.