Dhaka, Nov 15 (V7N) — Academic activities at Dhaka City College in Dhanmondi have been suspended for 18 days as student protests demanding the resignation of the acting principal and vice-principal show no signs of abating. Over 10,000 students face uncertainty regarding their education as the institution grapples with internal turmoil.

The crisis stems from allegations against Acting Principal Professor Md. Neyamul Haque and Acting Vice-Principal Mokhlesur Rahman. Students claim the two illegally assumed their positions by forcing the resignation of the previous principal, Professor Md. Bedar Uddin, during the anti-discrimination student movement.

The protests began on October 28, with students boycotting classes and exams while blocking the road outside the college. They demanded the removal of the acting principal and vice-principal and the reinstatement of the former principal. Despite assurances from the governing body, students refused to return to classes or participate in exams until their demands were met.

When the situation persisted, the college authorities issued a notice on November 4, declaring the institution closed indefinitely. Mokhlesur Rahman has since resigned, but Professor Neyamul Haque remains in his position, fueling further discontent.

Students allege that Professor Neyamul Haque, an English department teacher, orchestrated a takeover of the principal's position on August 7 by pressuring Professor Bedar Uddin to resign. He then appointed Mokhlesur Rahman, a marketing department teacher, as vice-principal. Neyamul subsequently declared six teachers, including the former principal, undesirable at the college.

The governing body has faced criticism for its handling of the situation. Parents have expressed frustration, stating that their children's education has been disrupted due to administrative disputes.

Professor Bedar Uddin filed a writ petition with the High Court, which issued a directive on October 27 requiring the National University and the Department of Secondary and Higher Education to investigate the matter and provide a resolution within four weeks.

The president of the college's governing body, Professor ABM Obaidul Islam, acknowledged the challenges posed by the legal process. He indicated that appointing a permanent principal and vice-principal would take time but emphasized efforts to resolve the issue.

Parents and guardians are deeply concerned about the prolonged suspension of academic activities. Some have suggested resuming classes online, but no concrete steps have been announced.

As the protests continue, the uncertainty surrounding the college’s administration and the education of thousands of students persists. A swift resolution is urgently needed to restore normalcy and ensure academic progress for the affected students.

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