Dhaka, Feb 28, (V7N) – A group of students from private universities has rejected the committee of the Democratic Students' Council, citing an alleged dominance of Dhaka University students in the newly formed platform. The students also voiced their opposition to the reported attacks on private university students by Dhaka University students. Despite their objections, the protesting students have expressed openness to discussions.

The students made these statements at a press conference held in front of North South University on Thursday evening.

Earlier in the day, the Democratic Students' Council presented its full committee at the Madhur Cantina, where a three-member investigation committee was also formed to probe a recent clash. This investigation committee was also rejected by the protesting students. The full committee included Naeem Abedin from East West University as a senior organizer and member of the investigation committee. Around 30 private university students were included in the new committee.

Mahadi Jahin, a student of Asian International University, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "On July 17, when Dhaka University students left their dormitories, we stood in front of the bullets. Despite the losses in Rampura and Badda, we never left the streets. Yet, a new political party was announced from Madhur Cantina, but no real movement for government change emerged from there. The Dhaka University-centered party will be buried at Dhaka University itself."

Masruf Ahsan from North South University criticized the centralization of Dhaka University by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, aiming to control the entire student body of Bangladesh. He said, "The private university students fought alongside college students in the Safe Roads Movement, and in the ongoing 24th Movement, the private universities have won a significant victory. Dhaka University cannot pursue its interests by going against the people. We will build a new Bangladesh."

Independent University's Shahel Sheikh Selim called the events at Madhur Cantina after the uprising "disastrous" and said, "If such actions continue, there will be no opportunity to work together. Those who engage in sycophantic politics under the guise of private university students must be rejected. We will not accept any committee that excludes the revolutionaries from Basundhara, Uttara, and Jatrabari."

The protesting students further stated that the committee formed at Madhur Cantina was unacceptable, and they demanded an unconditional apology for the attacks. They insisted that if a nationwide political party is to be formed, representatives from every university must be included in the central committee to ensure equal rights and participation for all.

The students also chanted slogans such as "Dhaka University’s brokers, beware! Destroy the black hands of the brokers and burn them down!" during the press conference.

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