Dhaka, Nov 19 (V7N) — Students of Dhaka's Government Titumir College remain steadfast in their demand to convert the institution into a university. On Tuesday, the protesting students continued their campus-wide shutdown, boycotting classes and exams. Unlike the previous day's blockade on roads and railways, today’s demonstration was confined within the college premises.

A meeting between representatives of the protesting students and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, along with other advisers, is scheduled for later today. The students have warned of intensified protests if a committee to facilitate the college's conversion into a university is not formed within three working days.

The Titumir College area was under strict police surveillance, with law enforcement deployed to prevent unrest. Water cannons and tear gas shells were on standby as a precautionary measure.

In a press briefing this morning, student leaders highlighted that their movement for university status has been ongoing since 1997. They stated that all necessary paperwork was completed three months ago. Responding to government calls, they withdrew from previous sieges, showing respect for the dialogue process.

The student leaders expressed regret over an incident during Monday’s blockade when a Noakhali-to-Dhaka train was attacked near Mohakhali. They alleged that misinformation about their movement was being spread by six other colleges. They also announced plans to file a general diary (GD) against those involved in the train attack.

During the blockade, students reportedly signalled a train near Mohakhali to stop. When the train continued without stopping, students threw stones, shattering windows and injuring passengers, including women and children. Several passengers sustained serious injuries.

The students clarified that railway authorities had been informed about the blockade, claiming the incident could have been avoided if their instructions were followed.

The demand for upgrading Titumir College into a university remains a longstanding issue, and the students have vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met. The government’s response to today’s meeting may determine the course of future demonstrations.

END/MSS/AJ