Photo: Collected
The Ministry of Education has stated that ongoing movement demanding state recognition of Government Titumir College as an independent university is illogical as the government is already working on establishing a separate university for seven colleges, including the institution.
In a statement today (1 February), the ministry said the government is aware of the situation and that a special expert committee, headed by the University Grants Commission chairman, is actively working on establishing a separate university for Dhaka's seven affiliated colleges.
The matter of Government Titumir College is being given special consideration in this process, it added. "Given these efforts, setting a strict deadline to declare Titumir College an independent university and staging protests on this demand is not logical."
The government urged protesters to remain patient and avoid programmes that disrupt public life or hinder regular academic activities, the ministry said. The ministry further stated that the special committee has already begun discussions with student representatives from these colleges to address their concerns.
"Improving educational facilities and quality at these institutions remains a top priority for the government, and all possible alternatives are being explored," said the statement. The ministry reaffirmed that the government is always attentive and sympathetic to the legitimate demands of teachers and students at all levels.
For the third consecutive day, students of Government Titumir College continued their hunger strike, urging the government to recognise the institution as an independent university.
They had set a deadline of 4pm today for their demands to be met.
If their seven-point demand is not accepted by then, they plan to enforce an indefinite blockade in areas under Dhaka North City Corporation, sources said. The students' demands include formal recognition of Titumir University by the state and the publication of an academic calendar.
They also call for the formation of the university's administration and the commencement of admissions for the 2024-25 academic session. Additionally, they demand accommodation for all students or financial assistance to cover their housing expenses.
They insist that from the 2024-25 academic year, two internationally recognised disciplines Law and Journalism must be introduced.
They are also calling for the appointment of qualified PhD-holding faculty members, a cap on student enrolment to maintain education quality, and financial and land allocations for an international-standard research laboratory.
The protest began on 29 January, with students staging road blockades in front of their Mohakhali campus. Yesterday (31 January), they blocked roads again as part of their ongoing demonstrations.
Messenger/JRTarek
