Dhaka, Feb 03 (V7N) — Students of Government Titumir College have taken to the streets in front of the college in Amtoli, Mohakhali, demanding that the institution be upgraded to a university. Since 11 a.m. on Monday, they have been blocking the road, causing severe traffic congestion in the area, despite insisting that they do not wish to create public suffering.

The movement intensified after Education Advisor Professor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud stated on Sunday that the government has no plans to establish new universities based on student demands. In response, the protesting students, under the banner of Titumir Oikya, declared an indefinite shutdown of the college.

Key Demands of the Students:

1. Recognition of Titumir College as a university and publication of an academic calendar accordingly.

2. Withdrawal of the Education Advisor’s statement and institutional recognition of all higher education institutions in Bangladesh.

3. Investigation into alleged interference by a legal advisor in the formation of the Titumir University Commission and a public apology for obstructing state affairs.

The protest has escalated, with students launching a hunger strike since Wednesday. Several participants fell ill over the weekend and required medical attention, yet the demonstrators remain steadfast in their demand for official recognition.

On Saturday night, students warned of stricter measures, including expanding roadblocks to Gulshan and Mohakhali. Some students blocked roads at Gulshan-1 last Friday night before returning to the college and issuing an ultimatum to the government. They have threatened to extend their Barasat Barricade to North City program, potentially disrupting rail and road transport.

In an attempt to negotiate, a government delegation led by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education Md. Nuruzzaman met with students on Thursday night. However, despite a two-and-a-half-hour discussion, the students refused to back down without a concrete announcement on Titumir College’s university status.

Nuruzzaman acknowledged the legitimacy of their demands but urged patience, stating, "This is an ongoing issue. You have been fighting for 28 years, and we know you won’t give up until you succeed."

For months, Titumir College students have organized demonstrations pressing for university status. They have now vowed to continue their movement indefinitely until their demands are met. Meanwhile, the government has reiterated that no "unreasonable" demand will be accepted.

The situation remains tense as students insist that the state must take their concerns seriously, warning that further delays will lead to more disruptive protests.

 END/MSS/AJ