Dhaka, Nov 18 (V7N) — Students of Titumir College have staged a protest in the capital, blocking roads, the rail gate, and the expressway near Mohakhali , calling for the cancellation of their affiliation with Dhaka University (DU) and the establishment of an independent university . The protest is part of an ongoing movement involving seven government colleges in Dhaka that are currently affiliated with DU.

 
The students are demanding the formation of an autonomous university by merging the seven colleges, which have been under DU’s affiliation since 2017. They argue that the decision, aimed at improving education quality, has failed to meet its objectives, leading to unresolved issues such as coordination problems in teaching, undervaluation of records, and ongoing academic challenges.

The seven colleges, which include Titumir College , Dhaka College , Eden Women's College , Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College , Kabi Nazrul Government College , Begum Badrunnesa Government Women's College , and Government Bangla College , were formerly affiliated with the National University before being incorporated under Dhaka University.

 
Protesters have repeatedly raised concerns that the affiliation has caused a disconnection in the academic system, negatively affecting both students and teachers. Students feel their educational goals have not been met despite the transition, and many believe the affiliation is now unnecessary.

During their Monday protest, Titumir College students blocked major roads, causing significant traffic disruptions in the capital. These actions are part of a larger wave of protests that have been continuing since the decision was made to affiliate the colleges with DU. Students argue that this affiliation undermines the dignity of DU students and affects the integrity of the university’s academic reputation.


Meanwhile, Dhaka University students have also joined in the call to cancel the affiliation. They have staged their own protests at various times, citing concerns that the inclusion of these colleges is diluting DU’s academic standards. They have threatened to escalate protests if their demands are not met, including actions such as locking the VC office and the Registrar building .

 
The decision to affiliate the seven colleges was made by the government in February 2017 , aiming to enhance education quality. However, after nearly eight years, students and faculty from these colleges have not seen the intended improvements. This has prompted the students to call for a new solution: the creation of an independent university for these seven colleges.

In response, students of these colleges, including representatives from Dhaka College and Eden Women's College , have submitted memorandums to various authorities and held press conferences to voice their grievances. Their protests have gained momentum, with no assurance of change from the authorities so far.


The students have made it clear that they will continue their protests until their demands are met. They are calling for a formal acknowledgment of their concerns and the creation of an autonomous university that will better serve the academic needs of students in the seven colleges. With no clear resolution in sight, these protests are expected to intensify in the coming months.\

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