Dhaka University moves to build another residential hall for female students

The university is introducing housing scholarships under the World Bank's ‘HIT Project’

The Dhaka University administration has taken the initiative to build another hall of residence in an attempt to resolve the housing crisis for its female students.

This announcement was made in a press release issued by the Dhaka University Public Relations Office on Sunday.

Currently, the university has five halls and two hostels for female students.

Yet, the housing crisis remains.

A group of female students spoke at a press conference at the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association office on Sunday.

They announced a symbolic hunger strike outside the vice-chancellor's residence, demanding 100 percent housing facilities for female students.

However, Rafiqul Islam Panna, the acting director of the university's public relations office, said the decision to build a new hall was not influenced by the demand.

He told bdnews24.com: "A regular meeting this morning made this decision.”

The public relations office said the “Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall Construction Project”, proposed at a cost of Tk 2.44 billion with financial assistance from the Chinese government, is currently awaiting approval from the education ministry.

"The university administration is working to resolve the housing crisis of Dhaka University students.

“Bunk beds have already been installed in various student halls to accommodate additional students," Rafiqul added.

The university is in the process of introducing housing scholarships for students under the World Bank's “HIT Project”.

According to the authorities, students enrolling in the undergraduate programme in the next academic year will be eligible for this scholarship.